Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in a Previously Asymptomatic Woman After Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy and Cardiac Arrest

Abstract

This case report recounts the sequence of events of a previously healthy 39-year-old female who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) after presenting with cardiopulmonary arrest after ectopic pregnancy. Additionally, various pertinent aspects of this case are discussed here, both in regards to pregnancy and MS and with the radiological findings in asymptomatic individuals. MS is a chronic disease of the brain and spinal cord which is autoimmune in nature, although the full etiology is still unknown. The symptoms of the disease are numerous and varied including more commonly vision loss, numbness and weakness. The disease is often initially diagnosed between ages 20 and 40 years, but many patients first present with attacks earlier or later in life. Currently the diagnosis is based much on clinical attacks and MRI results. There is no cure at this time for MS; however, there are many current therapies which are available to decrease disease activity. J Neurol Res. 2014;4(4):110-116 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jnr286w