title: Role of NMO-IgG in distinguishing the type of optic neuritis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To emphasize the importance of neuromyelitis optica (NMO)-immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies testing in patients with typical optic neuritis (ON) refractory to steroid treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two patients were evaluated with ON refractory to steroid therapy and poor visual acuity; they were tested for NMO-IgG antibodies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Brain magnetic resonance imaging was normal in both patients. The serum and cerebrospinal fluid were positive for NMO-IgG antibodies. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical and thoracic spine revealed lesions longer than three vertebral segments and the diagnosis of NMO was confirmed. Treatment with plasma exchange and immunosuppressive therapy resulted in marked improvement of visual acuity. This improvement was sustained.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The testing for NMO-IgG antibodies is important for distinguishing ON in NMO from multiple sclerosis in cases of ON refractory to steroid treatment. These cases suggest that testing for NMO-IgG antibodies should be performed in comparative trials on a larger series.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital Center Split, Split, Croatia. lovreb@kbsplit.hr
authors: Lovro
authors: L
authors: Bojic
authors: Zeljko
authors: Z
authors: Kovacic
authors: Branimir
authors: B
authors: Cerovski
authors: Meri
authors: M
authors: Matijaca
authors: Kresimir
authors: K
authors: Kolic
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009471:Neuromyelitis Optica / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D042262:Retinoscopy
chemical_list: D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D001323:Autoantibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G