Successful Treatment of a Severe Attack of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Associated with Myasthenia Gravis using Plasmapheresis and Rituximab

Abstract

A 36-year-old woman with a history of myasthenia gravis (MG), who underwent thymectomy surgery 4 years ago, was hospitalized with bilateral leg paralysis and dysesthesia. The patient was diagnosed with concurrent neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and MG, which are both rare autoimmune diseases. The patient was treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis and rituximab. She was discharged with significantly improved symptoms. This is a rare clinical case that helps physicians enhance their understanding of the possibility of NMOSD co-occurring with other autoimmune diseases and provides appropriate treatment options.