Early operative treatment of anti-N-methyl D-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis in a patient with ovarian teratoma.

Background: Anti-N-methyl D-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is often accompanied by ovarian teratoma. Early tumor resection is reported to be effective as a treatment.

Methods: A 21-year-old woman presented with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis which was accompanied by ovarian teratoma. The present case was a very rare case of an early stage of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis receiving operative treatment before confirming the presence of anti-NMDA receptor antibody. The diagnosis was established postoperatively by identifying anti-NMDA receptor antibody.

Conclusions: In case of suspecting anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in a patient with ovarian teratoma, early operative treatment should be considered even before confirming the presence of anti-NMDA receptor antibody.