A case of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: Brainstem involvement [Nöromiyelitis optika spektrum bozuklu?u olgusu: Beyinsapi{dotless} tutulumu]

Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), or Devic's disease, which mainly affects the optic nerves and the spinal cord, is differentiated from the other demyelinating diseases by presence of NMO IgG/antiaquoporin-4 antibody (Anti-AQP4 Ab), poor prognosis, and absence of CSF oligoclonal IgG bands. Patients who do not meet the criteria for definite NMO, are considered as NMO spectrum disorders (NMOsd). Brain MRI lesions suggestive of NMO may be considered as an alternate supportive evidence for the diagnosis of NMOsd in patients with recurrent optic neuritis, longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), recurrent brainstem, hypothalamic or encephalopathy symptoms, and AQP4-IgG seronegative status. We present a case with involvement of brainstem and cervical spinal cord and with NMO IgG positivity who considered as NMOsd together with the relevant literature.