Clinical and imaging characteristics and autoantibody analysis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

Abstract

Objective To observe the clinical and imaging characteristics and the changes of autoimmune antibodies in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs).  Methods The data of 10 patients with NMOSDs in Aviation General Hospital of China Medical University from January 2011 to June 2014 were collected. The clinical and imaging features were retrospectively reviewed, and NMO-IgG in serum and CSF, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), homocysteine (Hcy) and thyroid function were analyzed.  Results Cranial and spinal MRI of these patients showed that brain stem was involved in 3 cases, cervical cord in 3 cases, thoracic cord in 6 cases, and cervical-thoracic cord in one case. Serum NMO-IgG were tested in 8 cases, among whom 3 patients were positive (3/8) and 5 were negative (5/8). ANA was positive in one case (1/3), and thyroglobulin (TG) antibody and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody were positive in 2 cases (2/3). Hypothyroidism occured in 2 cases, hyperthyroidism occured in one case, and Hcy rised in 2 cases.  Conclusions NMOSDs frequently occur in young and middle-aged women. Patients who were highly suspected with NMOSDs should receive tests of autoimmune antibodies in the serum and CSF, and cranial and spinal MRI examination, in order to make a definite diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment. Retesting the autoimmune antibodies should be done in catabasis, in order to identify the relationship between autoimmune antibodies and NMOSDs.

doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2014.09.010