The spectrum of autoimmune encephalopathies ★

•We present clinical, lab and imaging findings of autoimmune encephalopathies.•We discuss differences in clinical presentation and outcome of various subgroups.•We emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment on outcome.•We compare clinical response of patients with/without malignancies/viral-prodrome.•We compare the difference in distribution of different syndromes and outcome between three teaching hospitals.

Despite being a potentially reversible neurological condition, no clear guidelines for diagnosis or management of autoimmune encephalitis exist. In this study we analyzed clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging characteristics, and outcome of autoimmune encephalitis from three teaching hospitals. Non-paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis associated with antibodies against membrane antigens was the most common syndrome, especially in the pediatric population. Clinical outcome was better for patients with shorter latency from symptom onset to diagnosis and initiation of immunomodulation. Patients with underlying malignancy were less likely to respond well to immunomodulatory therapy. The clinical spectrum of autoimmune encephalitis is fairly broad, but prompt recognition and treatment often leads to excellent outcome.