Finding the missing link in neuromyelitis optica presenting with recurrent transverse myelitis flares.
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a distinct clinical entity from multiple sclerosis with its own clinical, laboratory and pathological characteristics. Definitive diagnosis of NMO is challenging at times as there can be a long interval between the occurrence of the index event and other neurological deficits which would fulfill the diagnostic criteria. Detection of NMO antibody could serve as an early marker in the disease progression. We present a young woman previously identified to have NMO antibody with recurring episodes of transverse myelitis for 3 years before manifesting with optic neuritis.
Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/Queens Hospital Center, 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica, New York, NY 11432, USA. Electronic address: scientia_eyes@yahoo.com.
Vincent Bryan
VB
Salvador
Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/Queens Hospital Center, 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica, New York, NY 11432, USA.
Sharmaine
S
Habib
Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/Queens Hospital Center, 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica, New York, NY 11432, USA.
Alanna
A
Nattis
Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/Queens Hospital Center, 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica, New York, NY 11432, USA.
Susan
S
Sanelli-Russo
Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/Queens Hospital Center, 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica, New York, NY 11432, USA.
Vincent
V
Rizzo
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009188:Myelitis, Transverse / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009471:Neuromyelitis Optica / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012008:Recurrence
Demyelination; NMO antibody; Neuromyelitis optica; Optic neuritis; Transverse myelitis