Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorders in the elderly

Abstract

Introduction. Neuromyelitis Optica is a severe autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease that affects mainly the spinal cord and optic nerves with a young female predilection. It can present with a severe neurological presentation from the beginning with a poor prognosis. However, it is rare to see it in elderly subjects with aggressive and insidious onset of symptoms. Objective. Our cases highlight the varied clinical presentations of NMOSD and we believe that the diagnosis of NMOSD should be considered in elderly patients in the appropriate clinical setting despite the presence of unconventional symptoms.