A Case Report of a Positive Antinuclear Ribonucleoprotein Antibody, a Weak-Positive Antinuclear Antibody, Elevated C3 Complement, and Possibly Trauma-Induced Rasmussen’s Encephalitis

TL;DR

This case report describes a rare instance of late-onset Rasmussen’s encephalitis in a 30s-year-old man, possibly linked to autoimmune markers and trauma.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel case linking antinuclear antibodies, elevated C3 complement, and trauma to Rasmussen’s encephalitis.

Findings

The patient showed drug-refractory focal epilepsy and progressive cerebral atrophy.

Positive antinuclear ribonucleoprotein and weak antinuclear antibodies were detected.

Trauma and elevated C3 complement were identified as potential contributing factors.

Abstract

A case of a late-onset Rasmussen’s encephalitis (RE) presenting with drug-refractory focal epilepsy and progressive hemispheric cerebral atrophy noted on a serial radiologic head scan done on a gentleman in his 30s is presented. A positive antinuclear ribonucleoprotein antibody test, a weak-positive antinuclear antibody test, an elevated C3 complement, and possible trauma were identified as potential causative or promoting factors for RE in this patient. Literature evidence regarding the challenges with the aetiopathogenesis description, diagnosis, and management of this rare condition has been reviewed in this article. Exploring an aetiological-based diagnosis of this condition could open research and interventional opportunities into aetiology-guided management opportunities in this condition.

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