Comparison of the paraclinical features in paediatric patients with antibody positive and negative encephalopathy
| Antibody positive (n=21) | Antibody negative (n=27) | |
|---|---|---|
| MRI abnormalities | 11 (52%) | 7 (26%) |
| Normal at presentation | 14 | 21 |
| Reversible changes | 7 | 6 |
| Atrophy | 4 | 1 |
| EEG abnormalities | 20 (95%) | 23 (88%) |
| Generalised encephalopathy | 12 | 12 |
| Focal encephalopathy | 2 | 3 |
| Encephalopathy with epileptic discharges | 2 | 2 |
| Epileptic discharges only | 3 | 2 |
| Fast activity | 1 | 1 |
| Epileptic discharges progressing to encephalopathy | 2 | 5 |
| CSF abnormalities | 8 (38%) | 7 (27%) |
| Lymphocytosis | 5 (WCC 8–73) | 3 (WCC 16–57) |
| Oligoclonal bands | 3 | 3 |
MRI abnormalities were seen more commonly in the antibody negative group, highlighted by higher rates of atrophy seen on subsequent imaging. No significant difference was seen between the two groups.
CSF, cerebrospinal fluid; WCC, white cell count.