Autoimmune encephalopathy

Autoimmune encephalopathy
is increasingly recognized

Many cases of encephalopathy previously considered infectious are now recognized to have an autoimmune cause. In fact, based on a recent Mayo Clinic study, autoimmune encephalitis was found to be as common as infectious encephalitis.1


KLHL11

Learn more about the world’s first evidence-based test to confirm the presence of Kelch-like protein 11 (KLHL11) autoantibodies.


Ma2-directed illness

Mayo Clinic Laboratories has optimized detection of Ma2-associated autoimmune encephalitis through development of an innovative, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


When to consider testing

Consider autoimmune testing for patients presenting with new-onset encephalopathy (non-infectious or metabolic) and one or more of the following:

  • Headache
  • Autoimmune stigmata (e.g., physical signs or personal/family history of diabetes, thyroid disorder, vitiligo, prematurely gray hair, myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus)
  • History of cancer
  • Smoking history (20+ pack years) or other cancer risk factors
  • Inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid
  • Neuroimages suggesting inflammation (signal abnormality, limbic or extra-temporal)
  • Prior treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors
  • Antibody prevalence in epilepsy and encephalopathy (APE2) score is ≥41
    • View the APE2 score calculator here

Key testing

Phenotypic evaluations

Our autoimmune encephalopathy evaluation is part of an evolving approach to testing for autoimmune neurological disorders using phenotypic-specific evaluations that include multiple antibodies known for their disease association.


Beyond the Test Result

Greg Widseth was suddenly hit by a rare disease that prompted his immune system to attack his brain cells, resulting in as many as 60 seizures a day. Special blood and spinal fluid tests developed by Mayo Clinic Laboratories confirmed that Widseth had antibodies known to target certain brain cells.

Learn more about how to order this evaluation at your institution.

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