Neuromyelitis optica with simultaneous occurrence of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis
- Author:
Jayasree Sankunni NAIR
1
;
Mohan RAMALINGAM
1
;
Nayan JOSHI
1
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, RIPAS Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
Demyelination;
optic neuritis;
transverse myelitis;
NMO IgG;
aquaporin 4
- From:
Brunei International Medical Journal
2012;8(5):264-270
- CountryBrunei Darussalam
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease that preferentially affects the
optic nerves and spinal cord. It has a worldwide distribution and distinctive clinical, neuroimaging and
laboratory findings that distinguish it from multiple sclerosis. In most cases there is a long interval be-
tween the optic neuritis and myelitis but approximately 10 to 20% can have near simultaneous occur-
rence of both. We report a case of NMO presenting with symptoms and signs of optic neuritis and
transverse myelitis which was later confirmed by neuroimaging and laboratory findings. The acute at-
tack was treated with pulse therapy of corticosteroid and subsequently the patient was maintained on
Azathioprine and tapering dose of oral steroid. This case highlights a neurological disorder that is in-
creasing in prominence and may become more relevant in our region with increased diagnostic utility of
antibody testing.
- Full text:2026061716114440978201285270.pdf
