scholarly journals Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Schmidt ◽  
Önder Göktas ◽  
Sven Jarius ◽  
Brigitte Wildemann ◽  
Klemens Ruprecht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Neuromyelitis Optica ◽  
Autoimmune Disorder ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Clinical Spectrum ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Optic Nerves ◽  
Psychophysical Testing

Background. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a severely disabling autoimmune disorder of the CNS, which mainly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. However, recent studies have shown that extra-opticospinal are more common in NMO than previously thought.Objective. To investigate olfactory function (OF) in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) versus healthy controls (HC).Methods. Psychophysical testing of the orthonasal OF was performed using theThreshold-Discrimination-Identificationtest (TDI), measuring different qualities of olfaction, in 10 unselected NMO patients and 10 HC.Results. Five of 10 NMO patients (50%) showed hyposmia, while all 10 HC were normosmic. Moreover, NMO patients had significantly lower meanTDI-scores compared to HC, based on a poorer performance in both theDiscriminationand theIdentificationsubtests.Conclusions. Our results suggest that hyposmia might be part of the expanding clinical spectrum of NMO.

The role of cerebellar abnormalities in neuromyelitis optica – a comparison with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 757-766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Weier ◽  
Arman Eshaghi ◽  
Stefano Magon ◽  
Michaela Andelova ◽  
Ernst-Wilhelm Radue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Neuromyelitis Optica ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Brain Volumes ◽  
Secondary Degeneration ◽  
Cerebellar Volume ◽  
And Gender

Background: In relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), the cerebellum is a known predilection site for atrophy. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is characterized by extensive lesions in the spinal cord and optic nerve; however, cerebellar involvement has been less studied. Secondary degeneration of the spinocerebellar tract could impact the cerebellum in NMO. Objective: We aimed to investigate whether spinal cord and cerebellar volume measures differ between patients with NMO and RRMS. Methods: Volumetric analyses of the cerebellum (TCV), the upper cervical cord (UCV) as well as the whole brain (NBV) of age- and gender-matched patients with NMO ( n=30; 56% AQP4 +ve) and RRMS ( n=25) were performed on 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and compared with 34 healthy controls (HC). Results: UCV was significantly reduced in NMO patients (6.3 cm3) as compared with HC (6.7 cm3), while patients with MS had reduced brain volumes compared with HC (NBV=1482 cm3; p<0.001; TCV=188 cm3; p=0.042), but UCV close to normal values. Patients with RRMS and NMO differed in NBV ( p=0.001; lower in RRMS) and by trend (towards reduction in RRMS) in cerebellar volume ( p=0.06). Conclusions: While atrophy seems to be diffuse in MS patients, a rather focussed pattern with predominant involvement of the UCV was observed in NMO patients.

scholarly journals High prevalence of long-term olfactory dysfunction confirmed by olfactory testing after a community COVID-19 outbreak

HNO ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilmar Gudziol ◽  
Timo Kirschstein ◽  
Mathias W. Pletz ◽  
Sebastian Weis ◽  
Orlando Guntinas-Lichius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Based ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Taste Disturbance ◽  
Gustatory Function ◽  
Psychophysical Testing ◽  
Olfactory Testing ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Normal Taste

Abstract Purpose The prevalence of long-term olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in participants suffering from sudden chemosensory loss due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unknown. Furthermore, evaluations of the reliability of participants’ self-reporting of olfactory function (SOF) and gustatory function (SGF) using extended objective psychophysical testing are missing. Methods In this population-based cohort study in a PCR-tested community in Thuringia, Germany, olfactory function was extensively examined 4 months after a COVID-19 outbreak using the “Sniffin Sticks” test battery to determine the TDIa score, i.e., the sum of results obtained for threshold, discrimination, and identification scores averaged for both nasal sides. Gustatory function was assessed using the three-drop test resulting in the gustatory composite score (CSg). The data were compared with SOF and SGF. Results Of 43 adult convalescents (median age: 68 years; 58% female) after SARS-CoV‑2 infection, 18 participants (42%) had olfactory complaints due to SOF, one participant (2%) complained of taste disturbance due to SGF. The TDIa was 22.0 ± 5.9. Normosmia, hyposmia, and anosmia were seen in 17, 18, and eight participants, respectively. TDIa correlated with SOF (rs = −0.434, p = 0.004); CSg was 23.5 ± 2.7. Normogeusia and hypogeusia were objectified in 39 and four participants, respectively. The prevalence of long-term olfactory dysfunction and gustatory dysfunction in the study group was 60.5 and 9.3%, respectively. Conclusion The SOF was reliable, especially for participants who felt a sudden chemosensory dysfunction during the outbreak. At 4 months after SARS-CoV‑2 infection, a high proportion of participants were dysosmic, whereas nearly all of them had normal taste function.

Neuromyelitis Optica

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron E. Miller ◽  
Teresa M. DeAngelis
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Neuromyelitis Optica ◽  
Autoimmune Disorder ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
New Concepts ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a chronic inflammatory, demyelinating autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system with a predilection for the optic nerves and spinal cord, has long been confused with classical multiple sclerosis. In this chapter, we review the important clinical and radiographic distinctions of NMO and NMO spectrum disorders, and summarize promising new concepts in pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches.

scholarly journals Orthonasal, but not Retronasal Olfaction Is Specifically Impaired in Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 401-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilie Aubry-Lafontaine ◽  
Cécilia Tremblay ◽  
Pascali Durand-Martel ◽  
Nicolas Dupré ◽  
Johannes Frasnelli
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Compensatory Mechanisms ◽  
Motor Disturbance ◽  
Flavor Perception ◽  
Olfactory Testing ◽  
Retronasal Olfaction

Abstract Olfactory dysfunction (OD) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) appears several years before the presence of motor disturbance. Olfactory testing has the potential to serve as a tool for early detection of PD, but OD is not specific to PD as it affects up to 20% of the general population. Olfaction includes an orthonasal and a retronasal components; in some forms of OD, retronasal olfactory function is preserved. We aimed to evaluate whether combined testing components allows for discriminating between PD-related OD and non-Parkinsonian OD (NPOD). The objective of this study is to orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function in PD patients and compare them to a NPOD group and to healthy controls. We hypothesized that this combined testing allows to distinguish PD patients from both other groups. We included 32 PD patients, 25 NPOD patients, and 15 healthy controls. Both olfactory components were impaired in PD and NPOD patients, compared with controls; however, NPOD patients had significantly better orthonasal scores than PD patients. Furthermore, the ratio of retronasal/orthonasal score was higher in PD than in both other groups. In the NPOD group, orthonasal and retronasal scores were significantly correlated; no such correlation could be observed in PD patients. In summary, PD patients seem to rely on compensatory mechanisms for flavor perception. Combined orthonasal and retronasal olfactory testing may contribute to differentiate PD patients from patients with NPOD.

Neuromyelitis optica with clinical and histopathological involvement of the brain

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 679-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.J.D. Hengstman ◽  
P. Wesseling ◽  
C.W.G.M. Frenken ◽  
P.J.H. Jongen
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Neuromyelitis Optica ◽  
Brain Lesions ◽  
Autopsy Case ◽  
Optic Nerves ◽  
First Case ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Brain Involvement ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Active Disease

Diagnostic criteria for neuromyelitis optica (NMO) state that there should be no active disease outside the optic nerves and spinal cord. However, several cases have been described with symptomatic brain involvement. We describe an autopsy case of a patient with NMO and symptomatic involvement of the brain. The histopathology of the brain lesions is typical for NMO, with extensive macrophage infiltration, including perivascular accumulation of large numbers of eosinophils. This is the first case that clearly shows that in NMO, the histopathology of the brain lesions is identical to that of the lesions in the optic nerves and spinal cord. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 679-682. http://msj.sagepub.com

scholarly journals Neuromyelitis optica in a 9 year old girl: A case report

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 132-134
Author(s):  
Soutrik Seth ◽  
Tanmoy Biswas ◽  
Rajib Das ◽  
Atanu Roy
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Rural Area ◽  
Neuromyelitis Optica ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Girl Child ◽  
Optic Nerves ◽  
Demyelinating Disorder

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an acquired demyelinating disorder affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord either simultaneously or sequentially. Prognosis is guarded particularly for the optic neuritis.We report here a case of first attack of NMO occurring in a 9 year old girl child coming from a rural area of Burdwan.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 132-134

scholarly journals Neuromyelitis optica with brain stem involvement in a middle-aged Ethiopian woman: a case report and review of literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodas Asrat Kassu ◽  
Hailu Abera Mulatu ◽  
Sisay Gizaw ◽  
Henok Fisseha ◽  
Amir Musema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Optic Neuritis ◽  
Neuromyelitis Optica ◽  
Oculomotor Nerve ◽  
Oculomotor Nerve Palsy ◽  
Optic Nerves ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Abstract Introduction Neuromyelitis optica is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that predominantly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. In neuromyelitis optica, white blood cells and antibodies primarily attack the optic nerves and the spinal cord, but may also attack the brain. Brainstem manifestation has been described recently. So far, neuromyelitis optica is very rare in Ethiopia and there were only two case reports, but this is the first case report of neuromyelitis optica with brainstem involvement. Case presentation A 47-year-old Addis Ababa woman presented to Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College with a history of visual loss of 7 years and bilateral lower limb weakness of 4 days duration. She had bilateral oculomotor nerve palsy. Her past medical history showed systemic hypertension for 18 years and dyslipidemia for 1 year. The objective evaluation of the patient revealed right optic nerve atrophy suggesting optic neuritis and flaccid paraplegia with sensory level at the fourth thoracic vertebra. Diagnostic work-up using electromyography and spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealed demyelinating anterior visual pathway dysfunction and signs of extensive cervicothoracic transverse myelitis from the third cervical to lower thoracic vertebrae, respectively. Then a diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica was established. After treatment with high-dose systemic steroid followed by azathioprine, the patient was stable for several months with significant improvement of vision and lower-extremity weakness with no relapse of symptoms. Conclusion The case described here is a rare inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system occurring in East Africa. It reminds clinicians to suspect neuromyelitis optica in a patient who presented with unexplained recurrent optic neuritis to make a timely diagnosis and prevention of permanent neuronal damage. Neuromyelitis optica can also be associated with oculomotor nerve involvement.

A case of neuromyelitis optica harboring both anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies and a pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutation for Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 258-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wataru Shiraishi ◽  
Shintaro Hayashi ◽  
Takashi Kamada ◽  
Noriko Isobe ◽  
Ryo Yamasaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
Neuromyelitis Optica ◽  
Optic Neuropathy ◽  
Leber’S Hereditary Optic Neuropathy ◽  
Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy ◽  
Mtdna Mutation ◽  
Thoracic Spinal Cord ◽  
Optic Nerves ◽  
Hereditary Optic Neuropathy

We report the first case of definite neuromyelitis optica (NMO) with a pathogenic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation for Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) (G11778A point mutation). A 36-year-old Japanese woman had experienced recurrent neurological symptoms originating from involvements of the optic nerves and spinal cord. She finally lost her bilateral vision, and spastic paraparesis and sensory disturbances below the T6 level remained despite intensive immunotherapies. Brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed T2-high-intensity lesions in the optic nerves and thoracic spinal cord, but no lesions in the brain. A blood examination revealed positivity for both anti-aquaproin-4 antibodies and an LHON mtDNA mutation.

scholarly journals Increased radial diffusivity in spinal cord lesions in neuromyelitis optica compared with multiple sclerosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 1259-1268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric C Klawiter ◽  
Junqian Xu ◽  
Robert T Naismith ◽  
Tammie LS Benzinger ◽  
Joshua S Shimony ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Neuromyelitis Optica ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Radial Diffusivity ◽  
Spinal Cord Lesions ◽  
T2 Lesions

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) both affect spinal cord with notable differences in pathology. Objective: Determine the utility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to differentiate the spinal cord lesions of NMO from MS within and outside T2 lesions. Methods: Subjects greater than or equal to 12 months from a clinical episode of transverse myelitis underwent a novel transaxial cervical spinal cord DTI sequence. Ten subjects with NMO, 10 with MS and 10 healthy controls were included. Results: Within T2 affected white matter regions, radial diffusivity was increased in both NMO and MS compared with healthy controls ( p<0.001, respectively), and to a greater extent in NMO than MS ( p<0.001). Axial diffusivity was decreased in T2 lesions in both NMO and MS compared with controls ( p<0.001, p=0.001), but did not differ between the two diseases. Radial diffusivity and fractional anisotropy within white matter regions upstream and downstream of T2 lesions were different from controls in each disease. Conclusions: Higher radial diffusivity within spinal cord white matter tracts derived from diffusion tensor imaging were appreciated in NMO compared with MS, consistent with the known greater tissue destruction seen in NMO. DTI also detected tissue alterations outside T2 lesions and may be a surrogate of anterograde and retrograde degeneration.

scholarly journals Expression of OX40 Gene and its Serum Levels in Neuromyelitis Optica Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-67
Author(s):  
Parya Alidadiani ◽  
Nahid Eskandari ◽  
Vahid Shaygannejad ◽  
Arezou Dabiri ◽  
Mostafa Manian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Neuromyelitis Optica ◽  
Autoimmune Disorder ◽  
Transcript Level ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Age Related ◽  
T Cell Survival

AbstractNeuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic’s disease, is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) in which immune system cells and antibodies primarily attack the optic nerves and the spinal cord. OX40 (CD134) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-receptor family member expressed primarily on activated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. In an autoimmune disease, OX40 is typically up-regulated at sites of inflammation, and increases in the number of peripheral CD4+ T-cells expressing OX40. OX40 and its ligand OX40L are key TNF members that augment T-cell expansion, cytokine production, and promote T-cell survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare of OX40 gene expression and its serum levels in patients with NMO and healthy controls. Twenty sex-/age-matched healthy controls (HC) (median age = 32 years, 15 females/5 males) were engaged for the present study. Expression of OX40 at the transcript level and serum protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. The results indicated OX40 expression in patients was significantly lower than in healthy controls (p = 0.001). However, the serum level of OX40 was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.37). In addition, the results indicated that CD134 expression was not age-related (p = 0.041). Overall, this study suggests to us that OX40 levels are not a suitable marker for diagnosis or treatment of NMO.

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