Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)-IgG is a specific autoantibody marker for NMO. It binds selectively to aquaporin 4 (AQP4), which is highly concentrated in astrocytic foot processes at the blood-brain barrier and is not restricted to optic nerve and spinal cord. Although it is conventionally believed that the brain is spared, brain imaging abnormalities are not uncommon in patients with NMO. To investigate the location of brain lesions that are distinctive for NMO with respect to the localization of AQP4 in mammalian brain. Observational, retrospective case series. Clinical serologic cohort of patients tested for NMO-IgG for whom brain MRI images were available. We identified 120 patients seropositive for NMO-IgG for whom brain magnetic resonance images were available. Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities. In 8 patients we observed recurring and distinctive magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in the hypothalamic and periventricular areas that corresponded to brain regions of high AQP4 expression. The distribution of NMO-characteristic brain lesions corresponds to sites of high AQP4 expression.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
