MRI signs of CNS demyelinating diseases

Pure spinal multiple sclerosis: A case series of a possible new entity

BACKGROUND

Recent literature describes a condition similar to multiple sclerosis (MS) but with demyelinating lesions limited to the spinal cord. This condition, referred to as "pure spinal" MS, might benefit from disease-modifying treatment (DMT).

METHODS

We screened the medical records of approximately 8000 patients with demyelinating diseases at the Isfahan MS clinic in Iran. Criteria for inclusion in the case series were adults with a demyelinating disease limited to the spinal cord, positive oligoclonal IgG bands in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and negative results for other potential diagnoses.

RESULTS

Seven people with pure spinal MS were identified (all women, mean age [SD]: 40.14 [6.17] years at the first visit, mean follow-up duration [SD]: 98 [39.41] months). Two had a family history of conventional MS in their siblings. All patients exhibited lower limb weakness and tested negative for anti-MOG and anti-AQP4 antibodies. They experienced relapsing-remitting partial myelitis, with new spinal cord lesions on MRI but no extraspinal CNS lesions. DMT significantly reduced relapse rates in all patients, and two showed no increase in EDSS scores.

CONCLUSION

Pure spinal MS might be an atypical form of MS. Those affected may benefit from DMT; therefore, further investigation and consideration in the upcoming revisions of the McDonald criteria are recommended.

MOG Antibody Disease: Nuances in Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) is a distinct neuroinflammatory condition characterized by attacks of optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, and other demyelinating events. Though it can mimic multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, distinct clinical and radiologic features which can discriminate these conditions are now recognized. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of MOGAD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies have identified subtleties of common clinical attacks and identified more rare phenotypes, including cerebral cortical encephalitis, which have broadened our understanding of the clinicoradiologic spectrum of MOGAD and culminated in the recent publication of proposed diagnostic criteria with a familiar construction to those diagnosing other neuroinflammatory conditions. These criteria, in combination with advances in antibody testing, should simultaneously lead to wider recognition and reduced incidence of misdiagnosis. In addition, recent observational studies have raised new questions about when to treat MOGAD chronically, and with which agent. MOGAD pathophysiology informs some of the relatively unique clinical and radiologic features which have come to define this condition, and similarly has implications for diagnosis and management. Further prospective studies and the first clinical trials of therapeutic options will answer several remaining questions about the peculiarities of this condition.

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase-Dependent Metabolic Programming Affects the Oligodendrocyte Maturation and Remyelination

The metabolic needs of the premature/premyelinating oligodendrocytes (pre-OLs) and mature oligodendrocytes (OLs) are distinct. The metabolic control of oligodendrocyte maturation from the pre-OLs to the OLs is not fully understood. Here, we show that the terminal maturation and higher mitochondrial respiration in the OLs is an integrated process controlled through pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (Pdh). Combined bioenergetics and metabolic studies show that OLs show elevated mitochondrial respiration than the pre-OLs. Our signaling studies show that the increased mitochondrial respiration activity in the OLs is mediated by the activation of Pdh due to inhibition of the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-1 (Pdhk1) that phosphorylates and inhibits Pdh activity. Accordingly, when Pdhk1 is directly expressed in the pre-OLs, they fail to mature into the OLs. While Pdh converts pyruvate into the acetyl-CoA by its oxidative decarboxylation, our study shows that Pdh-dependent acetyl-CoA generation from pyruvate contributes to the acetylation of the bHLH family transcription factor, oligodendrocyte transcription factor 1 (Olig1) which is known to be involved in the OL maturation. Pdh inhibition via direct expression of Pdhk1 in the pre-OLs blocks the Olig1-acetylation and OL maturation. Using the cuprizone model of demyelination, we show that Pdh is deactivated during the demyelination phase, which is however reversed in the remyelination phase upon cuprizone withdrawal. In addition, Pdh activity status correlates with the Olig1-acetylation status in the cuprizone model. Hence, the Pdh metabolic node activation allows a robust mitochondrial respiration and activation of a molecular program necessary for the terminal maturation of oligodendrocytes. Our findings open a new dialogue in the developmental biology that links cellular development and metabolism. These findings have far-reaching implications in the development of therapies for a variety of demyelinating disorders including multiple sclerosis.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy With Reversible Severe Cognitive Impairment and Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

We treated a patient with an unusual case of reversible rapidly progressive cognitive impairment, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and generalized neuromyopathy in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) with optic neuropathy. A man in his 50s presented with a four-month history of rapidly progressive cognitive decline in addition to a six-month history of proximal greater than distal painful muscle weakness, wasting in all extremities, almost complete loss of deep tendon reflexes in his lower extremities, and slow progressive vision loss. Additionally, he had a 90-pound weight loss over the past two years with loss of appetite and ongoing chronic diarrhea. The exam showed muscle weakness and wasting with absent deep tendon reflexes. Initial Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) exam score was 16/30. Visual acuity was 20/25 with full extraocular movements; optical coherence tomography revealed superior arcuate bundle thinning bilaterally. Gastrointestinal workup proved nonrevealing. Serologic studies for vitamin deficiencies, heavy metals, and autoantibodies were negative. Whipple, Giardia lamblia, and Campylobacter jejuni stool testing were negative. Imaging studies were unremarkable. Nerve conduction studies showed demyelinating sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy. Muscle biopsy was indicative of denervation with scattered myopathic changes; no evidence of inflammatory myopathy nor glycogen or mitochondrial abnormalities was seen. Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment was begun. The patient was started at a dose of 0.75g/kg every three weeks. Following good but incomplete clinical improvement after the first treatment, his dose was increased to 1g/kg every three weeks. He improved remarkably after four months of infusions, scoring 30/30 on SLUMS with a full return of muscle strength and reflexes. Diarrhea remitted. Visual acuity and conduction delay remained unchanged. Symptom timing and dramatic response to immunoglobulins suggest a common immunological mechanism. In light of extensive differential investigations, unremarkable imaging and serology, and no other systemic disease processes, this case plausibly represents a potential new CIDP phenotypic variant.

A case of intravascular lymphoma presenting with a lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum

Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is difficult to diagnose because its clinical presentation and laboratory and imaging findings are nonspecific. Herein, we report a case of IVL presenting as a lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum. A 52-year-old man attended the emergency department with a 2-week history of progressively worsening abnormal behavior and gait disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging on admission revealed an oval lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum. The follow-up magnetic resonance imaging performed 2 months after disease onset revealed multiple high-signal areas in the bilateral cerebral white matter on T2-weighted images and diffusion-weighted images. The blood test results showed an elevated level of lactate dehydrogenase and serum-soluble interleukin-2 receptor. These findings were compatible with the diagnosis of IVL. IVL is often difficult to diagnose due to a wide variety of clinical presentations and imaging findings.

Determination of Clinical, Electrophysiological, and Radiological Characteristics of Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalopathy

Autoimmune encephalopathy (AE) is a group of diseases with subacute onset, that represents a wide clinical spectrum, manifested by complex neuropsychiatric symptoms and signs. In this study, the data of 27 patients diagnosed and followed up in our clinic with the diagnosis of AE between 2011 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. Out of 27 patients, 6 were definite seropositive AE, 2 of them met the diagnostic criteria for limbic encephalitis, and the remaining 19 were probable AE. Nowadays, we see AEs with increasing frequency. While there is a generally established approach in the diagnosis and treatment of seropositive patients, there are still hesitations and diagnostic difficulties in seronegative AEs. In this study, clinical, radiological, and prognostic features of definite and probable AE patients diagnosed in a tertiary pediatric neurology clinic were documented. It is thought that pediatric neurologists have an important responsibility to increase awareness about AE in pediatricians. In the future, it is predicted that AE will be diagnosed more frequently with new antibodies and one has to differentiate it from viral encephalitis and neuropsychiatric syndromes and diseases.

Clinical Reasoning: A Young Man With Subacute Onset of Spastic Paraparesis

Leukodystrophies are a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders, usually presenting in infancy with a variable combination of cognitive, motor, and coordination impairment. Adult-onset cases are even more rare, often representing a diagnostic challenge even for experienced neurologists. Here, we present a case of a 44-year-old man with subacute and rapidly progressive spastic paraplegia, whose brain MRI revealed white matter abnormalities compatible with a diagnosis of leukodystrophy. We discuss how to apply a simplified diagnostic algorithm to distinguish acquired leukoencephalopathies from leukodystrophies and how to delve into the maze of genetic testing for white matter diseases. In our patient, we reached the diagnosis of a treatable disorder, whose early recognition is essential to prevent severe neurologic deterioration.

Baló Concentric Sclerosis Mimicking Encephalitis with Seizures and Progressive Aphasia in a 26-Year-Old Woman: A Challenging Diagnostic Dilemma

Introduction

Baló's concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare subtype of multiple sclerosis characterized by inflammatory demyelination within the central nervous system.

Case Presentation

This case report presents a challenging diagnostic scenario involving a 26-year-old woman diagnosed with BCS. Despite treatment, her condition did not ameliorate, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings remained unchanged. A subsequent stereotactic biopsy revealed tumefactive Balo disease, highlighting the intricate diagnostic and therapeutic issues surrounding BCS.

Conclusion

The juxtacortical location of the BCS lesion, as observed in our case, suggests an unfavourable prognosis due to treatment-resistant seizures.

Hypogonadism in Males With Genetic Neurodevelopmental Syndromes

Genetic syndromes that affect the nervous system may also disrupt testicular function, and the mechanisms for these effects may be interrelated. Most often neurological signs and symptoms predominate and hypogonadism remains undetected and untreated, while in other cases, a thorough evaluation of a hypogonadal male reveals previously unrecognized ataxia, movement disorder, muscle weakness, tremor, or seizures, leading to a syndromic diagnosis. Androgen deficiency in patients with neurological diseases may aggravate muscle weakness and fatigue and predispose patients to osteoporosis and obesity. The purpose of this mini review is to provide a current understanding of the clinical, biochemical, histologic, and genetic features of syndromes in which male hypogonadism and neurological dysfunction may coexist and may be encountered by the clinical endocrinologist.

Frequency of diencephalic syndrome in NMOSD

BACKGROUND

Diencephalic region of the brain harbors sites with a considerable amount of aquaporin-4 expression. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) primarily involves autoimmune processes against this molecule. However, little is known about the frequency of symptoms of diencephalic involvement in NMOSD patients.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the frequency of symptoms of diencephalic involvement in NMOSD patients and describe the associated characteristics in patients presenting such symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort included 145 NMOSD patients (39 males and 106 females) who visited Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Center from January 2013 to February 2020 for approximately 61 months. Demographic and clinical information of patients and findings from radiological and serological investigations were retrieved.

RESULTS

The frequency of diencephalic involvement in NMOSD patients was 3.4% (five cases). Diencephalic syndrome-associated symptoms observed in this cohort consisted of narcolepsy (n = 2; 40%), hypotension (n = 1; 20%), amenorrhea (n = 1; 20%), and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (n = 1; 20%). These manifestations responded well to NMOSD-associated treatments, i.e., rituximab and azathioprine.

CONCLUSION

Although rarely manifested through symptoms suggestive of diencephalic involvement, NMOSD should be considered when encountering patients with the diencephalic syndrome to identify the primary cause of these manifestations.

Comparisons of clinical phenotype, radiological and laboratory features, and therapy of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder by regions: update and challenges

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) associated with autoantibody (ab) to aquaporin-4 (AQP4). There is obvious variation between regions and countries in the epidemiology, clinical features and management in NMOSD. Based on published population-based observation and cohort studies, the different clinical pattern of NMOSD has been seen in several geographical regions and some of these patients with NMOSD-like features do not fully meet the current diagnostic criteria, which is needed to consider the value of recently revised diagnostic criteria. At present, all treatments applied in NMOSD have made great progress, however, these treatments failed in AQP4 ab negative and refractory patients. Therefore, it is necessary to turn into an innovative idea and to open a new era of NMOSD treatment to develop novel and diverse targets and effective therapeutic drugs in NMOSD and to conduct the trails in large clinical samples and case-control studies to confirm their therapeutic effects on NMOSD in the future, which still remain a challenge.