Vietnamese Hospital Warns of Rising Cases of Autoimmune Encephalitis Linked to Ovarian Teratoma

Cho Ray Hospital has seen a significant increase in cases of autoimmune encephalitis, with 17 patients admitted in the past 18 months. Most cases are linked to antibodies from ovarian teratoma, with four patients succumbing to the disease. Dr. Le Quoc Hung, the Head of the Department of Tropical Diseases and Anti-Poison Resuscitation Unit at Cho Ray Hospital, noted that the disease’s prevalence has risen significantly in the past eight months, making it a newly discovered condition in Vietnam. The average age of patients treated at the hospital is 23, with most cases arriving in critical condition.

The treatment costs for autoimmune encephalitis can be substantial, averaging around one billion VND per patient. Surgical intervention is sometimes required, particularly for cases involving ovarian teratoma. However, surgery can affect fertility and endocrine function in the long term. The treatment process can be complex and expensive, with some patients requiring ongoing hormone therapy.

Autoimmune encephalitis is a condition where brain tissue is damaged by antibodies produced by the body. In particular, anti-NMDAR antibodies have been associated with the disease, often linked to ovarian teratoma. Detecting and diagnosing the disease early is crucial for effective treatment as delayed diagnosis can lead to severe consequences.

Treatment often involves a combination of interventions like plasma exchange, medication, and surgery to remove tumors.

Doctors are working to develop national standards for the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune encephalitis. Early detection of this challenging condition is essential as patients may exhibit symptoms like memory loss or behavioral changes or seizures.

Raising awareness and improving diagnostic capabilities aim to improve outcomes for patients with this difficult condition at Cho Ray Hospital.