1
|
Gharios M, Stenimahitis V, El-Hajj VG, Mahdi OA, Fletcher-Sandersjöö A, Jabbour P, Andersson M, Hultling C, Elmi-Terander A, Edström E. Spontaneous spinal cord infarction: a systematic review. BMJ Neurol Open 2024; 6:e000754. [PMID: 38818241 PMCID: PMC11138300 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2024-000754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Spontaneous spinal cord infarction (SCInf) is a rare condition resulting in acute neurological impairment. Consensus on diagnostic criteria is lacking, which may present a challenge for the physician. This review aims to analyse the current literature on spontaneous SCInf, focusing on epidemiology, the diagnostic process, treatment strategies and neurological outcomes. Methods The study was performed in accordance with a previously published protocol. PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were searched using the keywords 'spontaneous', 'spinal cord', 'infarction' and 'ischaemic'. The eligibility of studies was evaluated in two steps by multiple reviewers. Data from eligible studies were extracted and systematically analysed. Results 440 patients from 33 studies were included in this systematic review. Analysis of vascular risk factors showed that hypertension was present in 40%, followed by smoking in 30%, dyslipidaemia in 29% and diabetes in 16%. The severity of symptoms at admission according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale was score A 19%, score B14%, score C36% and score D32%. The mean follow-up period was 34.8 (±12.2) months. ASIA score at follow-up showed score A 11%, score B 3%, score C 16%, score D 67% and score E 2%. The overall mortality during the follow-up period was 5%. When used, MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) supported the diagnosis in 81% of cases. At follow-up, 71% of the patients were able to walk with or without walking aids. Conclusion The findings suggest a significant role for vascular risk factors in the pathophysiology of spontaneous SCInf. In the diagnostic workup, the use of DWI along with an MRI may help in confirming the diagnosis. The findings at follow-up suggest that neurological recovery is to be expected, with the majority of patients regaining ambulation. This systematic review highlights gaps in the literature and underscores the necessity for further research to establish diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gharios
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vasilios Stenimahitis
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rehabilitation, Furuhöjden Rehab Hospital, Täby, Sweden
| | | | - Omar Ali Mahdi
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Pascal Jabbour
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Magnus Andersson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claes Hultling
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adrian Elmi-Terander
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Capio Spine Center Stockholm, Löwenströmska Hospital, Upplands-Väsby, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Edström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Capio Spine Center Stockholm, Löwenströmska Hospital, Upplands-Väsby, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pardo CA. Clinical Approach to Myelopathy Diagnosis. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2024; 30:14-52. [PMID: 38330471 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article describes an integrative strategy to evaluate patients with suspected myelopathy, provides advice on diagnostic approach, and outlines the framework for the etiologic diagnosis of myelopathies. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Advances in diagnostic neuroimaging techniques of the spinal cord and improved understanding of the immune pathogenic mechanisms associated with spinal cord disorders have expanded the knowledge of inflammatory and noninflammatory myelopathies. The discovery of biomarkers of disease, such as anti-aquaporin 4 and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies involved in myelitis and other immune-related mechanisms, the emergence and identification of infectious disorders that target the spinal cord, and better recognition of myelopathies associated with vascular pathologies have expanded our knowledge about the broad clinical spectrum of myelopathies. ESSENTIAL POINTS Myelopathies include a group of inflammatory and noninflammatory disorders of the spinal cord that exhibit a wide variety of motor, sensory, gait, and sensory disturbances and produce major neurologic disability. Both inflammatory and noninflammatory myelopathies comprise a broad spectrum of pathophysiologic mechanisms and etiologic factors that lead to specific clinical features and presentations. Knowledge of the clinical variety of myelopathies and understanding of strategies for the precise diagnosis, identification of etiologic factors, and implementation of therapies can help improve outcomes.
Collapse
|
3
|
Cacciaguerra L, Flanagan EP. Improving myelopathy diagnosis now and into the future. J Neurol Sci 2022; 442:120424. [PMID: 36201962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cacciaguerra
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.; Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eoin P Flanagan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.; Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA..
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Petzold A. The 2022 Lady Estelle Wolfson lectureship on neurofilaments. J Neurochem 2022; 163:179-219. [PMID: 35950263 PMCID: PMC9826399 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurofilament proteins (Nf) have been validated and established as a reliable body fluid biomarker for neurodegenerative pathology. This review covers seven Nf isoforms, Nf light (NfL), two splicing variants of Nf medium (NfM), two splicing variants of Nf heavy (NfH), α -internexin (INA) and peripherin (PRPH). The genetic and epigenetic aspects of Nf are discussed as relevant for neurodegenerative diseases and oncology. The comprehensive list of mutations for all Nf isoforms covers Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, Spinal muscular atrophy, Parkinson Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Next, emphasis is given to the expanding field of post-translational modifications (PTM) of the Nf amino acid residues. Protein structural aspects are reviewed alongside PTMs causing neurodegenerative pathology and human autoimmunity. Molecular visualisations of NF PTMs, assembly and stoichiometry make use of Alphafold2 modelling. The implications for Nf function on the cellular level and axonal transport are discussed. Neurofilament aggregate formation and proteolytic breakdown are reviewed as relevant for biomarker tests and disease. Likewise, Nf stoichiometry is reviewed with regard to in vitro experiments and as a compensatory mechanism in neurodegeneration. The review of Nf across a spectrum of 87 diseases from all parts of medicine is followed by a critical appraisal of 33 meta-analyses on Nf body fluid levels. The review concludes with considerations for clinical trial design and an outlook for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Axel Petzold
- Department of NeurodegenerationQueen Square Insitute of Neurology, UCLLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cacciaguerra L, Sechi E, Rocca MA, Filippi M, Pittock SJ, Flanagan EP. Neuroimaging features in inflammatory myelopathies: A review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:993645. [PMID: 36330423 PMCID: PMC9623025 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.993645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord involvement can be observed in the course of immune-mediated disorders. Although multiple sclerosis (MS) represents the leading cause of inflammatory myelopathy, an increasing number of alternative etiologies must be now considered in the diagnostic work-up of patients presenting with myelitis. These include antibody-mediated disorders and cytotoxic T cell-mediated diseases targeting central nervous system (CNS) antigens, and systemic autoimmune conditions with secondary CNS involvement. Even though clinical features are helpful to orient the diagnostic suspicion (e.g., timing and severity of myelopathy symptoms), the differential diagnosis of inflammatory myelopathies is often challenging due to overlapping features. Moreover, noninflammatory etiologies can sometimes mimic an inflammatory process. In this setting, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming a fundamental tool for the characterization of spinal cord damage, revealing a pictorial scenario which is wider than the clinical manifestations. The characterization of spinal cord lesions in terms of longitudinal extension, location on axial plane, involvement of the white matter and/or gray matter, and specific patterns of contrast enhancement, often allows a proper differentiation of these diseases. For instance, besides classical features, such as the presence of longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions in patients with aquaporin-4-IgG positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4+NMOSD), novel radiological signs (e.g., H sign, trident sign) have been recently proposed and successfully applied for the differential diagnosis of inflammatory myelopathies. In this review article, we will discuss the radiological features of spinal cord involvement in autoimmune disorders such as MS, AQP4+NMOSD, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), and other recently characterized immune-mediated diseases. The identification of imaging pitfalls and mimics that can lead to misdiagnosis will also be examined. Since spinal cord damage is a major cause of irreversible clinical disability, the recognition of these radiological aspects will help clinicians achieve a correct and prompt diagnosis, treat early with disease-specific treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cacciaguerra
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elia Sechi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria A. Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sean J. Pittock
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Eoin P. Flanagan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sechi E, Cacciaguerra L, Chen JJ, Mariotto S, Fadda G, Dinoto A, Lopez-Chiriboga AS, Pittock SJ, Flanagan EP. Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD): A Review of Clinical and MRI Features, Diagnosis, and Management. Front Neurol 2022; 13:885218. [PMID: 35785363 PMCID: PMC9247462 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.885218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is the most recently defined inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Over the last decade, several studies have helped delineate the characteristic clinical-MRI phenotypes of the disease, allowing distinction from aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG+NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The clinical manifestations of MOGAD are heterogeneous, ranging from isolated optic neuritis or myelitis to multifocal CNS demyelination often in the form of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), or cortical encephalitis. A relapsing course is observed in approximately 50% of patients. Characteristic MRI features have been described that increase the diagnostic suspicion (e.g., perineural optic nerve enhancement, spinal cord H-sign, T2-lesion resolution over time) and help discriminate from MS and AQP4+NMOSD, despite some overlap. The detection of MOG-IgG in the serum (and sometimes CSF) confirms the diagnosis in patients with compatible clinical-MRI phenotypes, but false positive results are occasionally encountered, especially with indiscriminate testing of large unselected populations. The type of cell-based assay used to evaluate for MOG-IgG (fixed vs. live) and antibody end-titer (low vs. high) can influence the likelihood of MOGAD diagnosis. International consensus diagnostic criteria for MOGAD are currently being compiled and will assist in clinical diagnosis and be useful for enrolment in clinical trials. Although randomized controlled trials are lacking, MOGAD acute attacks appear to be very responsive to high dose steroids and plasma exchange may be considered in refractory cases. Attack-prevention treatments also lack class-I data and empiric maintenance treatment is generally reserved for relapsing cases or patients with severe residual disability after the presenting attack. A variety of empiric steroid-sparing immunosuppressants can be considered and may be efficacious based on retrospective or prospective observational studies but prospective randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to better guide treatment. In summary, this article will review our rapidly evolving understanding of MOGAD diagnosis and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elia Sechi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Laura Cacciaguerra
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology and Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - John J. Chen
- Department of Neurology and Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Sara Mariotto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giulia Fadda
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alessandro Dinoto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Sean J. Pittock
- Department of Neurology and Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Eoin P. Flanagan
- Department of Neurology and Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Eoin P. Flanagan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Magnetic Resonance Image in Monitor and Diagnosis of Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2022; 2022:1430380. [PMID: 35360267 PMCID: PMC8947891 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1430380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study was aimed to investigate the craniocerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement and clinical characteristics of patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS). 50 patients with NMO (NMO group) and 50 patients with MS (MS group) were studied. The clinical manifestations, brain injury morphology, MRI signal characteristics, brain distribution characteristics, and related laboratory tests (serum aquaporin 4 [AQP4] antibody) were statistically analyzed. The results showed that the analysis of clinical manifestations of patients revealed that optic neuritis (37 cases) was the most common disease in NMO patients, and myelitis (16 cases) was more common in MS patients than NMO patients. There were significant differences in gender ratio, abnormal expression of brain MR1, positive serum AQP4-IgG, and other immune diseases and symptoms between the two groups (P < 0.05). When the lesions measured by MRI were located in the white matter area of the cerebral hemisphere, the image showed blurred edges and a relatively symmetrical distribution. When the lesions measured by MRI were located around the medulla oblongata, the lesions mainly involved the central gray matter and white matter of the spinal cord, with patchy and line-like long T1 and long T2 signals. Moreover, in the late stage of recurrence of spinal cord disease, severe spinal cord atrophy may occur. In conclusion, craniocerebral MRI measurement in NMO patients can provide more basis for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the disease, so as to improve the diagnostic level of NMO.
Collapse
|
8
|
Dinoto A, Sechi E, Flanagan EP, Ferrari S, Solla P, Mariotto S, Chen JJ. Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Associated Disease. Front Neurol 2022; 13:866824. [PMID: 35401423 PMCID: PMC8983882 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.866824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The term neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) describes a group of clinical-MRI syndromes characterized by longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, brainstem dysfunction and/or, less commonly, encephalopathy. About 80% of patients harbor antibodies directed against the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4-IgG), expressed on astrocytes, which was found to be both a biomarker and a pathogenic cause of NMOSD. More recently, antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-IgG), have been found to be a biomarker of a different entity, termed MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), which has overlapping, but different pathogenesis, clinical features, treatment response, and prognosis when compared to AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD. Despite important refinements in the accuracy of AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG testing assays, a small proportion of patients with NMOSD still remain negative for both antibodies and are called “seronegative” NMOSD. Whilst major advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, biomarkers that could help predict the risk of relapses, disease activity, and prognosis are still lacking. In this context, a number of serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers are emerging as potentially useful in clinical practice for diagnostic and treatment purposes. These include antibody titers, cytokine profiles, complement factors, and markers of neuronal (e.g., neurofilament light chain) or astroglial (e.g., glial fibrillary acidic protein) damage. The aim of this review is to summarize current evidence regarding the role of emerging diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in patients with NMOSD and MOGAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Dinoto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elia Sechi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Eoin P. Flanagan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Sergio Ferrari
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paolo Solla
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Sara Mariotto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sara Mariotto
| | - John J. Chen
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alcalá C, Cubas L, Carratalá S, Gascón F, Quintanilla-Bordás C, Gil-Perotín S, Gorriz D, Pérez-Miralles F, Gasque R, Castillo J, Casanova B. NFL during acute spinal cord lesions in MS: a hurdle for the detection of inflammatory activity. J Neurol 2022; 269:3495-3500. [PMID: 35038000 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10926-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Levels of neuro-filament light chain (NFL) correlate with clinical and radiological activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) and have been used as a surrogate biomarker of axonal destruction related to inflammatory activity. The main objective of this work is to explore the specific contribution of acute inflammation within the spinal cord to the elevation of NFL levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS MS patients with a baseline study of NFL at diagnosis of the disease and a brain and spinal cord MRI scan were selected. Patients were classified according to the presence, number and location of gadolinium enhancing lesion (GEL) and the relationship between NFL levels and both brain and spinal cord GEL were explored. RESULTS Seventy-seven patients were selected. NFL levels were significantly higher in patients with only one GEL restricted to the brain than those without GEL (1702 pg/ml vs 722.7 pg/mL, p = 0.03) and correlated with number. However, no differences were seen among patients with GEL limited to the spinal cord and those without GEL (735.2 pg/ml vs 722.7 pg/mL). CONCLUSION Our study reaffirms the value of NFL levels in monitoring asymptomatic inflammatory activity in the brain measured by GEL. However, NFL concentration is not as useful when only inflammatory activity occurs in the spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Alcalá
- Neuroimmunology Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell Avenue 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
| | - L Cubas
- Neuroimmunology Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell Avenue 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - S Carratalá
- Neuroimmunology Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell Avenue 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Gascón
- Neurology Department, University Hospital Clinic of Valencia, Blasco Ibañez Avenue, 17, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - C Quintanilla-Bordás
- Neuroimmunology Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell Avenue 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - S Gil-Perotín
- Neuroimmunology Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell Avenue 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - D Gorriz
- Neuroimmunology Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell Avenue 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Pérez-Miralles
- Neuroimmunology Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell Avenue 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - R Gasque
- Neuroimmunology Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell Avenue 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Castillo
- Neuroimmunology Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell Avenue 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - B Casanova
- Neuroimmunology Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell Avenue 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sechi E, Flanagan EP. Antibody-Mediated Autoimmune Diseases of the CNS: Challenges and Approaches to Diagnosis and Management. Front Neurol 2021; 12:673339. [PMID: 34305787 PMCID: PMC8292678 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.673339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-mediated disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) are increasingly recognized as neurologic disorders that can be severe and even life-threatening but with the potential for reversibility with appropriate treatment. The expanding spectrum of newly identified autoantibodies targeting glial or neuronal (neural) antigens and associated clinical syndromes (ranging from autoimmune encephalitis to CNS demyelination) has increased diagnostic precision, and allowed critical reinterpretation of non-specific neurological syndromes historically associated with systemic disorders (e.g., Hashimoto encephalopathy). The intracellular vs. cell-surface or synaptic location of the different neural autoantibody targets often helps to predict the clinical characteristics, potential cancer association, and treatment response of the associated syndromes. In particular, autoantibodies targeting intracellular antigens (traditionally termed onconeural autoantibodies) are often associated with cancers, rarely respond well to immunosuppression and have a poor outcome, although exceptions exist. Detection of neural autoantibodies with accurate laboratory assays in patients with compatible clinical-MRI phenotypes allows a definite diagnosis of antibody-mediated CNS disorders, with important therapeutic and prognostic implications. Antibody-mediated CNS disorders are rare, and reliable autoantibody identification is highly dependent on the technique used for detection and pre-test probability. As a consequence, indiscriminate neural autoantibody testing among patients with more common neurologic disorders (e.g., epilepsy, dementia) will necessarily increase the risk of false positivity, so that recognition of high-risk clinical-MRI phenotypes is crucial. A number of emerging clinical settings have recently been recognized to favor development of CNS autoimmunity. These include antibody-mediated CNS disorders following herpes simplex virus encephalitis or occurring in a post-transplant setting, and neurological autoimmunity triggered by TNFα inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment. Awareness of the range of clinical and radiological manifestations associated with different neural autoantibodies, and the specific settings where autoimmune CNS disorders may occur is crucial to allow rapid diagnosis and early initiation of treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elia Sechi
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Eoin P Flanagan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|