[Neuromyelitis optica: a separate disease entity associated with aquaporin-4-antibodies].
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO; Devic's Syndrome) is an idiopathic, often relapsing, severe inflammatory disorder preferentially affecting optic nerves and spinal cord. The distinction of NMO from multiple sclerosis (MS) as a separate disease entity has been controversally discussed for a long time. Though both diseases show demyelinisation, they differ in typical clinical, imaging and immunopathological findings. The recent identification of serum aquaporin (AQP)-4 antibody clearly separates NMO from MS. In addition, the identification of AQP-4 antibodies supports peripheral humoral autoimmune pathogenesis in NMO and permits early initiation of effective therapy for prevention of attack-related disability.
Jordan
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Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale. Berit.Jordan@medizin.uni-halle.de
Eger
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Kornhuber
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ME
Zierz
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D000818:Animals; D051401:Aquaporin 4 / Q000276:immunology*; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009471:Neuromyelitis Optica / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
D051401:Aquaporin 4; D001323:Autoantibodies