Case of elderly-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder mimicking cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Abstract

We report a case of elderly-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in a 90-year-old woman who initially presented with transverse myelopathy. Because of cervical canal stenosis, she was initially suspected to have cervical spondylotic mylopathy. However, the presence of anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody warranted a diagnosis of NMOSD. This case shows that NMOSD should be considered even in elderly patients, and tests for the presence of anti-AQP-4 antibody should be carried out when an extensive cervical spinal lesion is encountered.