Connect Sign InUpdates in Autoimmune Neurology: Phenotype-Specific Testing and Avoiding Misdiagnosis
Autoimmune neurology is a rapidly growing field, with new antibodies, syndromes, and treatment strategies developing every year. While individual antibody-mediated neurologic diseases are rare, autoimmune causes of encephalitis are as common as infectious causes. This presentation provides a brief overview of autoimmune neurology, discusses strategies for testing for these rare diseases, and reviews some of the common pitfalls that can lead to misdiagnosis.
Dr. Lisa K. Peterson is a medical director of immunology at ARUP Laboratories and an associate professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Peterson received her doctorate degree in experimental pathology from the University of Utah. She then completed an immunology fellowship at the National Jewish Health and University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Subsequently, she completed a clinical immunology fellowship at the University of Utah and ARUP Laboratories. Dr. Peterson is board certified, and she is a member of several professional societies, including the Association of Medical Laboratory Immunologists, the Clinical Immunology Society, and the American Academy of Neurology. She is the recipient of the Doctorate award and the Young Investigator award. Her research interests include immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, and autoimmune neurology.
Dr. Tammy Smith is a clinical consultant in autoimmune neurology at ARUP Laboratories, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Utah School of Medicine and a GRECC investigator at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Smith received her medical degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine as well as a doctorate degree in microbiology and immunology from the University of Utah. She completed a residency in neurology at Rush University Medical Center and a fellowship in autoimmune neurology at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Smith is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association. Her research interests include autoimmune neurology, paraneoplastic neurologic disease, and immunodeficiency.
