Lyme Disease as a Potential Precursor to Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Report

The article "Lyme Disease as a Potential Precursor to Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Report" presents a case of a 74-year-old man who developed anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis following Lyme disease. Initially, the patient experienced back pain, myalgia, and memory impairment, which progressed to confusion, behavioral changes, and speech difficulties. Laboratory tests confirmed Borrelia burgdorferi infection, the causative agent of Lyme disease, and subsequent testing revealed the presence of anti-NMDA receptor antibodies in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid. This case suggests that Lyme disease may trigger autoimmune responses resulting in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, highlighting the importance of considering this potential complication in patients with neuroborreliosis.

This case further emphasizes the need for early consideration of Lyme disease in the differential diagnosis to avoid prolonged and costly hospitalizations. Finally, late diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease can result in additional autoimmune complications, including myocarditis and thyroiditis.