Recurrent Hypothalamic Dysfunction in Seropositive Neuromyelitis Optica
Background:Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system1. Pathogenic aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibodies are present in 65-88% of cases1. The majority of cases follow a relapsing course preferentially involving the optic nerves, spinal cord, brainstem, diencephalon or cerebral regions1, 2. Within the acute diencephalic clinical presentations, symptomatic hypothalamic lesions may have a diverse range of clinical manifestations including homeostatic dysfunction of neuroendocrine systems2-4. We report a case of recurrent hypothalamic dysfunction secondary to NMO manifesting as syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), thermal dysregulation, dysautonomia and disorder of alertness.