King of Organs (4)

I looked at the seminar room. It was packed with professors wearing stern expressions.

I cleared my throat and continued.

“A man in his fifties began treatment after suddenly developing neuropsychiatric symptoms while receiving radiation and chemotherapy for small-cell lung cancer.”

The dean nodded as if urging me to continue. I resumed my presentation.

“Here are the findings from the neurological examination. Initially, he experienced anxiety and hallucinations. A few days later, his symptoms worsened, progressing to seizures and a decreased level of consciousness.”

That was the neat summary, anyway.

In a single sentence, his symptoms and clinical course were typical of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.

“In addition, lesions involving both upper and lower motor neurons were observed. We therefore suspected autoimmune encephalitis and administered high-dose steroids.”

One of the professors frowned.

“But what is autoimmune encephalitis? Is that even a real diagnosis?”...