scholarly journals Severe aquaporin 4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica with disseminated herpes zoster in a pregnant woman successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 205521731875811
Author(s):  
Yuki Matsumoto ◽  
Mario Tsuchiya ◽  
Shakespear Norshalena ◽  
Chikako Kaneko ◽  
Jin Kubo ◽  
...  

A 26-year-old, 17-week pregnant woman developed aquaporin-4-IgG-positive severe longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis during the course of disseminated herpes zoster and became quadriparetic. She was unresponsive to high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone but became able to walk without assistance after intravenous immunoglobulin. One and a half months later, left optic neuritis developed but her vision improved with intravenous immunoglobulin. The only sequela was left T5 girdle sensation, and she delivered a healthy baby. Intravenous immunoglobulin may be a rescue therapy in aquaporin-4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica attacks in pregnant women, especially those with severe infections.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 656-659
Author(s):  
Maria Nina Grace Q. Bastinen , MD

Neuromyelitis Optica (previously called Devics disease) is an autoimmune-induced demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that primarily affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. This manuscript presents a case of a 28-yearold female patient who clinically presented with acute lower extremity weakness and numbness associated with unilateral impairment of vision. Later in the course of the disease, magnetic resonance imaging of the cervico-thoracic spine showed multi-level abnormal non-enhancing and enhancing lesions from levels C3 to T8 levels which were identified to be combined transverse myelitis and cord syrinx. An anti-aquaporin-4 receptor antibody was obtained and yielded to be seropositive. Given the patients clinical manifestations, combined with imaging and laboratory examinations, led to a diagnosis of Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO). The patient was managed with high-dose steroids. The significant discovery of anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies served as a key factor in the NMO immunopathogenesis. It is currently regarded as a specific biomarker of the diagnostic process, making it distinguishable from multiple sclerosis. This case highlights the mechanism of formation of a fluid-filled syrinx-like cavity in the cord in the setting of Neuromyelitis Optica.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 117954761775268
Author(s):  
Navneet K Singh ◽  
Alexander J Sweidan ◽  
Sarah Strube ◽  
Ignacio Carrillo-Nunez

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) are a set of demyelinating disorders that primarily target the optic nerves and the spinal cord. Previously thought to be a subset of multiple sclerosis (MS), now is recognized as a distinct entity. We present a 59-year-old female patient who was admitted for acute upper and lower extremity weakness. The patient had woken up from sleep with sudden onset of weakness. Patient was initially diagnosed with a right hemispheric stroke; however, magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine later performed showed abnormal enhancement from C2-C4, representing transverse myelitis. Cerebrospinal fluid was negative for organisms and inflammatory biomarkers. An anti-aquaporin-4 receptor antibody titer was found to be elevated with titers >80 units/mL. The patient was treated with high-dose steroids and plasmapheresis. The NMOSD is a rare entity and, here, we present a rare presentation of the disease. Since its description in 1870, it was confused with MS for years. The advent of anti-aquaporin-4 antibody has been instrumental in differentiating the disease process from MS. This distinction is important, in terms of agents used for treatment and prognostication. The NMOSD is a set of debilitating disease, which requires prompt recognition and appropriate treatment, to avoid the disabling sequelae. Future prospects of the disease include development of novel biological treatment modalities which focus on restoring the loss of immune tolerance which is key to the pathogenesis of the disease.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (14) ◽  
pp. 1950-1954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinhua Zhang ◽  
Fang Liu ◽  
Yiqi Wang ◽  
Ying Yang ◽  
Yuehong Huang ◽  
...  

Understanding the characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with recurrent short partial transverse myelitis (SPTM), which is very rare, contributes to the differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). We present two Chinese aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG)-seropositive NMOSD cases who had at least twice SPTM during 4 and 6 years of follow-up, respectively. Their SPTMs have been mild and responded well to corticosteroids just like in the case of MS. The findings highlight the need of searching for serum AQP4-IgG (cell-based assay strongly recommended) in patients with recurrent SPTM and suggest that those patients may have a mild acute attack phase and favorable long-term prognosis.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leung-Wah Yick ◽  
Chi-Ho Tang ◽  
Oscar Ka-Fai Ma ◽  
Jason Shing-Cheong Kwan ◽  
Koon Ho CHAN

Abstract Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating diseases characterized by recurrent episodes of acute optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) autoantibodies, which target the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) on astrocytic membrane, are pathogenic in NMOSD. Glutamate excitotoxicity, which is triggered by internalization of AQP4-glutamate transporter complex after AQP4-IgG binding to astrocytes, is involved in early NMOSD pathophysiologies. We studied the effects of memantine, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, on motor impairments and spinal cord pathologies in mice which received human AQP4-IgG. Methods: Purified IgG from AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD patients were passively transferred to adult C57BL/6 mice with disrupted blood-brain barrier. Memantine was administered by oral gavage. Motor impairments of the mice were assessed by beam walking test. Spinal cords of the mice were assessed by immunofluorescence and ELISA. Results: Oral administration of memantine ameliorated the motor impairments induced by AQP4-IgG, no matter the treatment was initiated before (preventive) or after (therapeutic) disease flare. Memantine profoundly reduced AQP4 and astrocyte loss, and attenuated demyelination and axonal loss in the spinal cord of mice which had received AQP4-IgG. The protective effects of memantine were associated with inhibition of apoptosis and suppression of neuroinflammation, with decrease in microglia activation and neutrophil infiltration and reduction of increase in levels of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α). In addition, memantine elevated growth factors including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the spinal cord. Conclusions: Our findings support that glutamate excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation plays important roles in complement-independent pathophysiology during early development of NMOSD lesions, and highlight the potential of oral memantine as a therapeutic agent in NMOSD acute attacks.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
khaled Deeb ◽  
Jessika Eby ◽  
Jose Labault-Santiago

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to report a case of a 44-year-old female who presented with intractable hiccups, vomiting, and later complicated with paraplegia. Imaging and sero/immunological studies were consistent with Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) based on NMO-IgG sero-positivity and transverse myelitis on MRI. Further investigation revealed positive ANA, anti-RNA polymerase III autoantibodies, and Scl-70, leading to a concurrent diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The coexistence of these two disease processes, namely systemic sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, and their underlying clinical manifestations and therapeutic interventions, are seldom reported in literature and are worth reporting. CASE REPORT: The patient was treated with high dose steroids, and subsequently developed malignant hypertension and acute renal failure, later identified as steroid induced scleroderma renal crisis on renal biopsy. Although Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has often been associated with various collagen and autoimmune diseases, the coexistence of NMOSD and SSc presented a challenge where patient underwent aggressive physical therapy and necessitated an intervention with Rituximab to achieve an appropriate clinical response. We have received consent forms from the participant in our study, and we have them on file in case they are requested. We have also received patient’s consent for the data presented in this article and Figure 1. CONCLUSION: This report expands on NMOSD associated autoimmune diseases. Systemic Sclerosis is an insidious disease that is often diagnosed late as not all patients often report skin manifestation. The finding suggests that patients presenting with acute neurological manifestations get tested for NMO-IgG/AQP-4 antibodies and other immunological studies based on clinical findings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha Kumar ◽  
Kelsey Graven ◽  
Nancy I. Joseph ◽  
John Johnson ◽  
Scott Fulton ◽  
...  

Abstract Stimulation of the immune response after vaccination can occasionally result in adverse effects, including demyelination of the central nervous system. The most common presentation of postvaccination demyelination is acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, but cases of optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, and multiple sclerosis relapses have been reported. More recently, an increasing number of postvaccination neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) cases have surfaced in the literature, especially in patients with aquaporin-4 antibodies. In this article, we report an unusual case of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–related NMOSD after the receipt of multiple vaccines in a first-trimester pregnant woman from Africa. We review the reported cases of postvaccination demyelination in the past decade, with a focus on the relationship between NMOSD and vaccination in patients with aquaporin-4 or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies. Finally, we discuss the clinical relevance of the present case and similar reported cases as it relates to patient care in the neuroimmunology clinic and identify potential areas for future research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 175628641989859
Author(s):  
Wei Fang* ◽  
Yang Zheng* ◽  
Fan Yang ◽  
Meng-Ting Cai ◽  
Chun-Hong Shen ◽  
...  

Background: Short segment myelitis (SSM, < 3 vertebral segments) is an under-recognized initial manifestation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). Though infrequent, failure to recognize SSM in patients with NMOSD would lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, delineation of features of NMOSD-associated SSM is of paramount importance. Objective: Our study aimed to determine the demographic, clinical and radiological features of NMOSD-associated SSM, and compare those with NMOSD-associated longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) and multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated SSM, respectively. Methods: Chinese patients presenting initially only with acute myelitis and diagnosed with NMOSD ( n = 46) and MS ( n = 11) were included. Clinical, serological, imaging and disability data were collected. Mann–Whitney U test or two-tailed Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyse the data. Results: Of the 46 enrolled NMOSD patients, 34 (74%) collectively had 38 LETM lesions, while 12 (26%) had 14 SSM lesions. When compared with LETM, NMOSD presenting with SSM were more likely to have a delayed diagnosis and a lower level of disability at nadir during the first attack. T1-weighted imaging hypointensity was more prominent in NMOSD-associated LETM lesions than NMOSD-associated SSM lesions. When compared with MS-associated SSM, NMOSD-associated SSM lesions were more likely to be centrally located, grey matter involving and transversally extensive on axial imaging and spanned no less than 2 vertebral segments on sagittal imaging. Conclusion: These findings suggest that SSM does not preclude the possibility of a NMOSD diagnosis. Testing for serum aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) and careful study of lesions on spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging could aid in an earlier and correct diagnosis.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Girard ◽  
Chrystèle Bonnemains ◽  
Emmanuelle Schmitt ◽  
Emmanuel Raffo ◽  
Claire Bilbault

Background: Metabolic and inflammatory conditions may lead to neurological disorders. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) refer to a rare group of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system which essentially involve the optic nerves and spinal cord. Methods: We report a case of biotinidase deficiency (BD) initially misdiagnosed as NMOSD in a pediatric patient. Results: An 8-year-old girl was initially diagnosed with NMOSD on the basis of optic neuritis (ON) associated with three episodes of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). Intravenous high-dose corticosteroids were effective during the first two episodes of LETM. The third acute episode which resulted in tetraplegia, respiratory distress, and blindness was refractory to corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, and rituximab. The unusual clinical course and persistent high levels of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate led to additional metabolic investigations being performed. Acylcarnitine profile revealed increased C5-OH acylcarnitine suggestive of BD. Diagnosis was confirmed by direct assessment of plasma enzyme activity (quantified as 5% of the control value). Genetic analysis revealed two mutations, c.643C>T (p.L215F) and c.1612C>T (p.R538C), in the BTD gene (3p25). Dramatic clinical improvement occurred after long-term oral biotin treatment. Conclusion: BD is a treatable condition that may closely mimic the neurological findings of LETM and NMOSD.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanthi Viswanathan ◽  
Masita Arip ◽  
Norhazlin Mustafa ◽  
Jasbir S. Dhaliwal ◽  
Norzainie Rose ◽  
...  

Background. In the past the occurrence of neuromyelitis optica in Malaysia was thought to be uncommon and the frequency of anti-aquaporin-4 Ig G antibody was unknown.Objective. To evaluate the frequency of anti-aquaporin-4 Ig G antibody (Anti-AQP4 antibody) amongst patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and its spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and the differences between the seropositive and seronegative groups.Methods. Retrospectively, 96 patients with NMO/high risk syndromes for NMOSD (HRS-NMOSD) were identified out of 266 patients with idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disease from a single center hospital based registry. Anti-AQP4 seropositivity was found in 38/48 (79.2%) with NMO, 12/21 (57.1%) with brain involvement at high risk for NMOSD, 12/15 (80%) with transverse myelitis (i.e., 11/15 with relapsing transverse myelitis and one with monophasic transverse myelitis), and 3/7 (42.8%) with relapsing optic neuritis. Sixty-five out of 96 patients, that is, 67.7%, with NMO/HRS for NMOSD were seropositive. Seropositivity was significantly associated with female gender, a higher number of mean relapses, that is, 5.15 ± 4.42 versus 2.10 ± 1.68, longer length of spinal cord lesions, that is, 6.6 ± 4.9 versus 2.9 ± 2.5, vertebral bodies, higher EDSS, 4.5 ± 2.4 versus 2.4 ± 2.6, presence of paroxysmal tonic spasms, and blindness (unilateral/bilateral);P<0.001. Longitudinally extensive cord lesions (contiguous or linear), presence of lesions in the cervical and thoracic regions, and involvement of the central gray matter or holocord regions on axial scans, were also significantly associated with seropositivity;P<0.001.Conclusion. NMO and HRS for NMOSD are present in larger numbers than previously thought in Malaysia. More than 2/3rds are seropositive. Seropositive and seronegative NMO/NMOSD have differences that are useful in clinical practice.


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