Antibodies, MRI and unusual clinical features of NMO

Abstract

AbstractNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare disease including both optic neuritis and myelitis together or successively. Recently, a specific antibody named anti‐NMO has been discovered allowing a more precise diagnosis. This antibody is directed againbst abti‐AQP4 protein, a watter chanel protein. This discovery enlarged the spectrum of NMO to patients with recurrent optic neuritis and positive antibodies, now include in the NMO spectrum disorder (NMOSD). MRI frequently shows intense hypersignal of optic nerve and spinal cord with normal or atypical brain MRI for MS. NMO is frequently associated with other auto‐immune diseases such as Sjogren syndrome ou lupus. The outcome of the disease may be severe with blindness and para/tetraplegia implying that an intensive treatment should be propose as soon as the diagnosis has been made.