title: Anorexia heralding the onset of neuromyelitis optica.
abstract: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that preferentially affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. An autoantibody (NMO-IgG) targeting the aquaporin-4 water channel distinguishes NMO from other inflammatory disorders of the CNS. Recent studies have demonstrated that the area postrema and other circumventricular organs (CVOs) can be targeted in NMO.We herein report the case of a 12-year-old girl who experienced anorexia six months before the onset of NMO. Anorexia caused by hypothalamic or CVO dysfunction may herald the onset of NMO.
authors: Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Italy. iorio.raffaele@gmail.com
authors: Raffaele
authors: R
authors: Iorio
authors: Domenico
authors: D
authors: Plantone
authors: Valentina
authors: V
authors: Damato
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Paola Batocchi
mesh_terms: D000855:Anorexia / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009471:Neuromyelitis Optica / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013997:Time Factors