ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) encephalitis is a disorder characterized by acute neuro-psychiatric symptoms, appearing mostly after a recent febrile disease, with a gradual progressive course, associated with laboratory or radiologic evidence of active inflammation. Many of the patients will present with a continuous neuro-cognitive disorder which could lead to major morbidity and even mortality. It was recently reported that this disorder can present at childhood as a primary disease or as a secondary complication of herpes simplex infection. Early diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved the patients' prognosis and prevented chronic complications. We will present six pediatric patients at ages 1-14 years, followed from 2011-2014 in Schneider Children's Medical Center and Assaf Harofeh Medical Center due to acute encephalitis, with a clinical course under suspicion for anti-NMDA encephalitis. The article will review the clinical and diagnostic dilemmas and suggested guidelines. Pediatricians should be aware of this new emerging syndrome.
