Neuromyelitis optica and neuromyelitis optica-IgG seropositivity in Saudis with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system
- Author:
Ali M Al-Khathaami
;
Faisel Yunus
;
Mohammad J Alamgir
;
Suleiman Kojan
;
Mohammed Aljumah
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Neurology Asia
2014;19(3):295-300
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background and Objective: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) shares certain features with multiple sclerosis
(MS). Similar phenotypes, wide spectrum and the differential prevalence of NMO among ethnic
backgrounds pose diagnostic challenges. NMO-IgG antibodies are specific biomarker for NMO and
facilitate its differentiation from other demyelinating diseases. This study aimed to assess the frequency
of NMO and NMO-IgG seropositivity in Saudi patients with demyelinating diseases of the central
nervous system. Methods: One hundred and four patients from neurology database at King Abdulaziz
Medical City, Riyadh underwent clinical and laboratory examination, neuroimaging and NMO-IgG
antibodies screening. Results: The mean age at presentation was 32 (±9) years and there was an
excess of females (female:male – 3:1). The mean duration of illness was 4.6 (±3.2) years. During the
illness, 48.1% of patients had clinical evidence of spinal cord involvement, 29.8% had optic neuritis
and 14.4% had both features. A large majority (75.8%) of brain lesions fulfilled MRI criteria for MS
and 17% had lesions extending over ≥3 vertebral segments. NMO-IgG antibodies were present in
only one patient – a frequency of 0.96% in our study cohort.
Conclusion: Prevalence of NMO and NMO-IgG seropositivity is rare in Saudis with demyelinating
diseases of the central nervous system. Hence, routine NMO-IgG testing is likely to have a low
diagnostic yield
- Full text:P020150630489174290451.pdf
