Antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis evaluated by 18F-DPA714 PET/MRI

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has considered being the most effective method to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. The safety and effectiveness of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has been confirmed. However, in very rare cases, autoimmune neurological diseases may occur. In this article, we report three rare cases of autoimmune encephalitis with definite auto-antibody after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. They all have good prognosis after treatment. In addition, we first use 18F-DPA-714 PET/MRI to evaluate microglia activation in our patients. We found that 18F-DPA-714 PET/MRI may be a powerful tool for quantitative analysis of neuroinflammation in patients of autoimmune encephalitis. Finally, although rare complications may happen after vaccination, we still consider the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. People without contraindications should be vaccinated without delay to prevent infection in current outbreak situation.

Automated summary

The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is considered the most effective method to prevent infection, but in very rare cases, autoimmune neurological diseases may occur. This article reports three rare cases of autoimmune encephalitis with definite auto-antibody after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, all of whom had good prognosis after treatment. 18F-DPA-714 PET/MRI may be a powerful tool for quantitative analysis of neuroinflammation in patients of autoimmune encephalitis.