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Belfeki N, Ghriss N, Fourati M, Leclercq D, Saadoun D. Neuro-Behçet's disease: A review. Rev Med Interne 2024; 45:624-633. [PMID: 38937151 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2024.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Behcet disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis which can involve many different organ systems. Neurological involvement (NBD) occurs in 5.3% to 59% of BD patients. The diagnosis is challenging especially in case of inaugural neurological presentation, and is based on a constellation of clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging findings. NBD can be subdivided into parenchymal NBD through an immune mediated meningoencephalitis with a predilection to the brainstem, basal ganglia, thalamus, cranial nerves, and spinal cord involvement, and extraparenchymal NBD encompassing cerebral veinous thrombosis and intracranial arterial involvement. Brain magnetic resonance shows ill-defined areas of oedema with high signal intensity on T2-FLAIR images, isointense or hypointense in T1-weighted images in the basal ganglia area or in the brainstem, which may extend to the diencephalic structures. Swelling might be noticed. Hemorrhages can be seen, such as contrast enhancement (blood brain barrier disruption). Magnetic resonance venography and computerized tomographic angiography can be used to diagnose extraparenchymal NBD. Treatment of parenchymatous forms is based on glucocorticoids associated with oral immunosuppressants (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil or methotrexate) in mild forms, and intravenous cyclophosphamide or infliximab in severe forms. The management of cerebral thrombosis consists of steroids course associated with an oral anticoagulation. An early recognition of this condition is mandatory to initiate adequate therapies in order to improve outcomes and limit the risk of sequelae, relapses, or death. The aim of this review is to summarize a comprehensive review on the various neurological presentations of BD with emphasizes on diagnostic tools, prognosis, and therapeutic issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Belfeki
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Groupe Hospitalier Sud Île de France, Melun, France.
| | - Nouha Ghriss
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Groupe Hospitalier Sud Île de France, Melun, France
| | - Montasar Fourati
- Department of Imaging, Groupe Hospitalier Sud Île de France, Melun, France
| | - Delphine Leclercq
- Department of Neuroradiology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - David Saadoun
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Inflammatoires et de l'Amylose inflammatoire (CEREMAIA), Sorbonne Universités, 75013 Paris, France; Inserm, UMR_S 959; DMU 3ID, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
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Fournel J, Hermier M, Martin A, Gamondès D, Tommasino E, Broussolle T, Morgado A, Baassiri W, Cotton F, Berthezène Y, Bani-Sadr A. It Looks Like a Spinal Cord Tumor but It Is Not. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1004. [PMID: 38473365 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic spinal cord pathologies may be challenging due to overlapping clinical and radiological features. Spinal cord tumors, which comprise only 2-4% of central nervous system tumors, are rarer than non-tumoral myelopathies of inflammatory, vascular, or infectious origins. The risk of neurological deterioration and the high rate of false negatives or misdiagnoses associated with spinal cord biopsies require a cautious approach. Facing a spinal cord lesion, prioritizing more common non-surgical myelopathies in differential diagnoses is essential. A comprehensive radiological diagnostic approach is mandatory to identify spinal cord tumor mimics. The diagnostic process involves a multi-step approach: detecting lesions primarily using MRI techniques, precise localization of lesions, assessing lesion signal intensity characteristics, and searching for potentially associated anomalies at spinal cord and cerebral MRI. This review aims to delineate the radiological diagnostic approach for spinal cord lesions that may mimic tumors and briefly highlight the primary pathologies behind these lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Fournel
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Marc Hermier
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Anna Martin
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Delphine Gamondès
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Emanuele Tommasino
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Théo Broussolle
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Neurosurgery, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Alexis Morgado
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Neurosurgery, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Wassim Baassiri
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Neurosurgery, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Francois Cotton
- CREATIS Laboratory, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1294, Claude Bernard Lyon I University, 7 Avenue Jean Capelle, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Department of Radiology, South Lyon Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Yves Berthezène
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
- CREATIS Laboratory, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1294, Claude Bernard Lyon I University, 7 Avenue Jean Capelle, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Alexandre Bani-Sadr
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
- CREATIS Laboratory, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1294, Claude Bernard Lyon I University, 7 Avenue Jean Capelle, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
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Alaboudi M, Morgan M, Serra A, Abboud H. Utility of the 2023 international MOGAD panel proposed criteria in clinical practice: An institutional cohort. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 81:105150. [PMID: 38043365 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a recently defined demyelinating disorder with a rapidly evolving clinical spectrum. Recently, consensus criteria have been proposed (Banwell et al., 2023) to help with disease diagnosis. However, validation of the proposed criteria in real-life MOGAD patients is lacking. In this study, we applied the proposed criteria to an institutional cohort of MOG antibody-positive patients. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary neuroimmunology clinic from 2018 to 2023. Patients who had at least one core clinical feature of MOGAD and positive serum MOG antibody by cell-based assay were included. Demographics and clinical data were recorded and analyzed. Cases were divided into definite MOGAD, questionable MOGAD, and false-positive MOG antibody as determined by the treating neuroimmunology and/or neuro-ophthalmology specialists prior to applying the new MOGAD criteria by an independent investigator. We then calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the new criteria compared to the treating physicians' assessment. RESULTS A total of 27 patients were included of which, 19 (70.4%) were female, the average age of the sample was 44 +/- 15 years. High titer MOG antibody (≥ 1:100) was found in 11 patients (40.7%); low titer (< 1: 100) in 13 (48.1%), and unreported titer in 3 patients. As determined by expert opinion; 18 (66.7%) were identified as definitive MOGAD, 6 (22.2%) as false-positive MOG antibody, and 3 (11.1%) as questionable MOGAD. All 18 patients identified by clinicians as definite MOGAD met the new 2023 criteria. Of the 9 patients with questionable MOGAD or false-positive MOG antibody, four patients met the 2023 MOGAD criteria. Those four patients had the following final diagnoses: CNS vasculitis, primary progressive MS with activity and progression, pseudotumor cerebri, and bevacizumab-induced anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in the setting of paraneoplastic retinopathy. Compared to clinician assessment, applying the 2023 MOGAD criteria to our institutional cohort yielded a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 55.5%, a positive predictive value of 81.5% and a negative predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the 2023 MOGAD criteria are highly sensitive for detection of definite MOGAD but has modest specificity. A number of MOGAD mimickers can resemble the core clinical events of MOGAD and share similar supportive clinical and MRI features. Clinicians should practice caution when evaluating patients with low titer MOG antibody even if they meet the additional supportive features proposed by the 2023 criteria. Further studies are needed to evaluate the 2023 criteria in larger cohorts and in the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malak Alaboudi
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Michael Morgan
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; Ophthalmology Department, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
| | - Alessandro Serra
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States; VA Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence, Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Hesham Abboud
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States.
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Das A, Vazquez S, Spirollari E, Dominguez J, Kinon MD, Houten JK. Intramedullary Spinal Hemorrhage in Behcet's Syndrome: A Case Report and Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e47134. [PMID: 38022098 PMCID: PMC10650936 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute neurological manifestations in patients with Behcet's syndrome are rare yet may lead to devastating outcomes. Distinguishing primary neurological deficits from spontaneous hemorrhagic insults is of particular importance for the prognosis of patients with Behcet's syndrome. Here, we investigate the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of nontraumatic hemorrhagic injury in patients with Bechet's syndrome. Following the case presentation, a systematic review of the literature identified cases of spontaneous hemorrhage among patients with Behcet's syndrome. Variables of interest were collected from each article to characterize patient demographics, clinical manifestations, management, and reported outcomes. Additionally, a rare case of nontraumatic intramedullary spinal bleeding in a young male with Behcet's syndrome is presented. Including our case, we analyzed 12 cases of spontaneous bleeding associated with Behcet's syndrome in 12 articles. Patient age ranged from 16 to 71 (median = 36), with a male predominance (n = 11, 91.7%). Involvement of cardiothoracic structures (n = 3, 25%), pulmonary (n = 4, 33.3%), and gastrointestinal or genitourinary vasculature (n = 3, 25%) was most common, followed by extracranial (n = 2, 16.7%) and central nervous system vasculature (n = 1, 8.3%). Clinical presentation varied depending on which specific systems or anatomical structures were involved. Anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy was mentioned in three cases (27.3%). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) were noted to be elevated in six cases (54.5%). Most cases were managed surgically (n = 8, 66.7%); four cases were managed conservatively (33.3%). In our case, the patient's intramedullary bleed was allowed to dissolve without further manipulation. Of the reported outcomes, major recovery was achieved in 10 patients (83.3%), and two patients died from aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm rupture (16.7%). New-onset neurological findings in patients with Behcet's syndrome should raise suspicion for possible spontaneous hemorrhage. Our case presents the first reported instance of an abrupt onset of neurological injury secondary to intramedullary spinal cord bleed in Behcet's syndrome. A systematic review of the literature demonstrates no difference in mortality for patients managed conservatively compared to those who undergo surgical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Das
- Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA
| | - Sima Vazquez
- Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA
| | | | | | | | - John K Houten
- Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, USA
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Kidd DP. Neurological involvement by Behçet's syndrome: clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and outcome. Pract Neurol 2023; 23:386-400. [PMID: 37775123 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2023-003875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Neurological involvement in Behçet's syndrome arises predominately through an inflammatory meningoencephalitis characterised by perivenular inflammation due to activation of Th-17 immunological pathways. The brainstem is involved in 50% of cases, the diencephalon and other areas of the brain in 30%, and the spinal cord in 10%. Movement disorders and epilepsy may occur. Psychiatric syndromes may arise with brain and brainstem involvement, and cognitive disorders relate to the brain disease, to circulating inflammatory factors, and to fatigue and despondency. Eighty per cent of cases begin with a relapsing disease course, of whom 70% have only one attack, and 30% have a progressive disease course either from onset or following an initially relapsing course. Venous thrombosis leading to intracranial hypertension and cerebral venous infarction is less common and caused by inflammation in affected veins and a circulating prothrombotic state. Arterial involvement is rare and relates to an arteritis affecting large-sized and medium-sized vessels within the brain leading to infarction, subarachnoid and parenchymal haemorrhage, aneurysm formation and arterial dissection. There is a newly recognised disorder of cerebral cortical hypoperfusion. Cranial neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy and myositis are rare. There has been significant progress in understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of the systemic disease, leading to improved outcomes, but there has been no randomised trial of treatment in the neurological disorder.
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Tamanini JVG, Sabino JV, Cordeiro RA, Mizubuti V, Villarinho LDL, Duarte JÁ, Pereira FV, Appenzeller S, Damasceno A, Reis F. The Role of MRI in Differentiating Demyelinating and Inflammatory (not Infectious) Myelopathies. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2023; 44:469-488. [PMID: 37555683 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Demyelinating and inflammatory myelopathies represent a group of diseases with characteristic patterns in neuroimaging and several differential diagnoses. The main imaging patterns of demyelinating myelopathies (multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-related disorder) and inflammatory myelopathies (systemic lupus erythematosus-myelitis, sarcoidosis-myelitis, Sjögren-myelitis, and Behçet's-myelitis) will be discussed in this article, highlighting key points to the differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - João Vitor Sabino
- Department of Anesthesiology, Oncology and Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Alves Cordeiro
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Sao Paulo University, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Mizubuti
- Department of Anesthesiology, Oncology and Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Ávila Duarte
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Veloso Pereira
- Department of Anesthesiology, Oncology and Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Simone Appenzeller
- Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Traumatology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Alfredo Damasceno
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Reis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Oncology and Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Alkabie S, Casserly CS, Morrow SA, Racosta JM. Identifying specific myelopathy etiologies in the evaluation of suspected myelitis: A retrospective analysis. J Neurol Sci 2023; 450:120677. [PMID: 37207546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myelopathies require prompt etiologic diagnosis. We aimed to identify a specific myelopathy diagnosis in cases of suspected myelitis to highlight clinicoradiologic differences. METHODS In this retrospective, single-centre cohort of subjects with suspected myelitis referred to London Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Clinic between 2006 and 2021, we identified those with MS and reviewed the remaining charts for etiologic diagnosis based on clinical, serologic, and imaging details. RESULTS Of 333 included subjects, 318/333 (95.5%) received an etiologic diagnosis. Most (274/333, 82%) had MS or clinically isolated syndrome. Spinal cord infarction (n = 10) was the commonest non-inflammatory myelitis mimic characterized by hyperacute decline (n = 10/10, 100%), antecedent claudication (n = 2/10, 20%), axial owl/snake eye (n = 7/9, 77%) and sagittal pencillike (n = 8/9, 89%) MRI patterns, vertebral artery occlusion/stenosis (n = 4/10, 40%), and concurrent acute cerebral infarct (n = 3/9, 33%). Longitudinal lesions were frequent in aquaporin-4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4+NMOSD) (n = 7/7, 100%) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG-associated disorder (MOGAD) (n = 6/7, 86%), accompanied by bright spotty (n = 5/7, 71%) and central-grey-restricted (n = 4/7, 57%) T2-lesions on axial sequences, respectively. Leptomeningeal (n = 4/4, 100%), dorsal subpial (n = 4/4, 100%) enhancement, and positive body PET/CT (n = 4/4, 100%) aided the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Spondylotic myelopathies had chronic sensorimotor presentations (n = 4/6, 67%) with relative bladder sparing (n = 5/6, 83%), localizable to sites of disc herniation (n = 6/6, 100%). Metabolic myelopathies showed dorsal column or inverted 'V' sign (n = 2/3, 67%) MRI T2-abnormality with B12 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS Although no single feature reliably confirms or refutes a specific myelopathy diagnosis, this study highlights patterns that narrow the differential diagnosis of myelitis and facilitate early recognition of mimics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Alkabie
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Courtney S Casserly
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah A Morrow
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juan M Racosta
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; MS Epidemiology Lab, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Yazdi BG, Abdi S. Bagel sign in neuro Behçet's disease myelitis: neuroimages. Neurol Sci 2023:10.1007/s10072-023-06815-8. [PMID: 37083959 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06815-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD) is a chronic heterogenous autoimmune disorder. It may involve central or pripheral nervous system but rarely shows spinal cord involvement (SCI). Bagel Sign is a unique sign of SCI due to NBD. It is a central T2W hyperintense lesion with a hypointense core on axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This sign may be a complete or an incomplete ring with or without post-contrast enhancement. Here we report a patient with NBD whose primary presentaion was transverse myelitis. A 14-year-old patient was admitted due to triparesis and urinary retention. He had T2W hyperintensities from the left basal ganglion down to the T10 level. A similar anteromedial spot has been described in anterior spinal cord infarction which favors an ischemic pathogenesis for NBD. To our knowledge this is the first report of Bagel Sign and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis with gray matter involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bardiya Ghaderi Yazdi
- Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Jalal e Al Ahmad, 1411713135, Tehran, Iran
| | - Siamak Abdi
- Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Jalal e Al Ahmad, 1411713135, Tehran, Iran.
- Center for Orthopedic Trans-disciplinary Applied Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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9
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Neuroimaging findings in rheumatologic disorders. J Neurol Sci 2021; 427:117531. [PMID: 34130065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with rheumatological diseases may present with neurological manifestations of peripheral and/or central nervous system (CNS). Symptoms may be related to underlying rheumatological disease or CNS effects of immune-modulating drugs. Early diagnosis and therapy may help prevent serious complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), given its excellent soft tissue details, is the preferred imaging modality when evaluating patients with rheumatological disease and suspected CNS involvement. We present a review of the neuroimaging manifestations of various rheumatic diseases with emphasis on the imaging findings on MRI.
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10
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Uygunoglu U, Siva A. An uncommon disease included commonly in the differential diagnosis of neurological diseases: Neuro-Behçet's syndrome. J Neurol Sci 2021; 426:117436. [PMID: 33984547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Behçet's Syndrome (BS) may present with different neurological problems, related either directly (primary) or indirectly (secondary) to BS. Primary neurological involvement is named as neuro-Behcet's syndrome (NBS), and its two major subtypes that are classified mainly on the clinical and MRI findings are (1) Parenchymal-NBS (p-NBS) and (2) Extra parenchymal neuro-vascular involvement mostly seen as cerebral dural venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). The less commonly seen forms of NBS are cognitive and behavioral syndromes and peripheral nervous system involvement. Parenchymal-NBS is the most common clinical neurological presentation of BS. It is a rare disease with distinct MRI features and is often included in the differential diagnosis of neuro-vascular and neuro-inflammatory disorders. The most commonly affected neuro-anatomical site in p-NBS is the meso-diencephalic junction (MDJ), followed by the ponto-bulbar and thalamic regions, the basal ganglia, and the spinal cord. These varied locations may explain to a certain extent why BS is considered in the differential of so many neurological disorders. The other relatively common form of NBS that results in CVST may also be confused with other conditions resulting in CVST, especially when the systemic clinical features suggestive of BS are missed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Uygunoglu
- Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aksel Siva
- Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey.
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11
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Oertel FC, Scheel M, Chien C, Bischof A, Finke C, Paul F. [Differential diagnostics of autoimmune inflammatory spinal cord diseases]. DER NERVENARZT 2021; 92:293-306. [PMID: 33765163 PMCID: PMC7992127 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-021-01092-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Myelitis is an acute or subacute inflammatory syndrome of the spinal cord. Myelopathy, often used as a synonym and presenting with similar symptoms in clinical practice, can be caused by numerous, not primarily inflammatory etiologies and might also show a progressive disease course. Within the last decade the spectrum of autoimmune myelitis was significantly broadened as was the spectrum of diagnostic methods. Apart from the characteristic example of multiple sclerosis with short-length myelitis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, multiple rare but important differential diagnoses should also be considered. Magnetic resonance imaging and laboratory analyses of serum antibodies and cerebrospinal fluid are the most important diagnostic methods and are fundamental for rapid treatment decisions, subsequently with better prognosis. This article reviews representative diseases within the spectrum of autoimmune spinal cord diseases and their differential diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederike C Oertel
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, und Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland
- Neurocure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, und Berlin Institute of health, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Michael Scheel
- Institut für Neuroradiologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, und Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Claudia Chien
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, und Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, und Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Antje Bischof
- Klinik für Neurologie mit Institut für Translationale Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Carsten Finke
- Klinik für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, und Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland
- Faculty of Philosophy, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, und Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland.
- Neurocure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, und Berlin Institute of health, Berlin, Deutschland.
- Klinik für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, und Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland.
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12
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Xie YY, Yang Y, Jiang T, Bao LY, Meng HM. Long-segment diffuse cervical spinal cord involvement as the first episode of neuro-Behçet's disease: a case report. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:3035-3037. [PMID: 33768437 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05167-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Yin Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Xinmin Street No. 1, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Xinmin Street No. 1, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Ting Jiang
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Xinmin Street No. 1, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Li-Yang Bao
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Xinmin Street No. 1, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Hong-Mei Meng
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Xinmin Street No. 1, Changchun, 130021, China.
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13
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Fujiwara S, Manabe Y, Nakano Y, Omote Y, Yunoki T, Kono S, Narai H, Abe K. Two Cases of Probable Neuro-Behçet's Disease with Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis. Case Rep Neurol 2021; 13:78-83. [PMID: 33708098 PMCID: PMC7923906 DOI: 10.1159/000512323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report 2 cases of probable neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD) with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). In both cases, the patients presented paraplegia, as well as sensory, bladder, and rectal disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patient 1 showed continuous high signal intensity extending from the midbrain to the entire spinal cord in the central part of the cord on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). Spinal MRI of patient 2 revealed high signal intensity extending from Th2 to Th10 in the central part of the cord on T2WI. Both patients received high-dose methylprednisolone. A continuous lesion from the midbrain to the entire spinal cord as in patient 1 has not been previously reported. Patient 2 dramatically improved by infliximab therapy. The present cases suggest that NBD should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with LETM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Fujiwara
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Manabe
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yumiko Nakano
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshio Omote
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, Okayama, Japan
| | - Taijun Yunoki
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, Okayama, Japan
| | - Syoichiro Kono
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hisashi Narai
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, Okayama, Japan
| | - Koji Abe
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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14
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Paoletti M, Muzic SI, Marchetti F, Farina LM, Bastianello S, Pichiecchio A. Differential imaging of atypical demyelinating lesions of the central nervous system. Radiol Med 2021; 126:827-842. [PMID: 33486703 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-021-01334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The detection of atypical and sometimes aggressive or tumefactive demyelinating lesions of the central nervous system often poses difficulties in the differential diagnosis. The clinical presentation is generally aspecific, related to the location and similar to a number of different lesions, including neoplasms and other intracranial lesions with mass effect. CSF analysis may also be inconclusive, especially for lesions presenting as a single mass at onset. As a consequence, a brain biopsy is frequently performed for characterization. Advanced MRI imaging plays an important role in directing the diagnosis, reducing the rate of unnecessary biopsies and allowing a prompt start of therapy that is often crucial, especially in the case of infratentorial lesions. In this review, the main pattern of presentation of atypical inflammatory demyelinating diseases is discussed, with particular attention on the differential diagnosis and how to adequately define the correct etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Paoletti
- Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, PV, Italy.
| | | | | | - Lisa Maria Farina
- Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, PV, Italy
| | - Stefano Bastianello
- Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, PV, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Pichiecchio
- Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, Neuroradiology Department, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, PV, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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15
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Borhani-Haghighi A, Kardeh B, Banerjee S, Yadollahikhales G, Safari A, Sahraian MA, Shapiro L. Neuro-Behcet's disease: An update on diagnosis, differential diagnoses, and treatment. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 39:101906. [PMID: 31887565 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.101906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuro-Behcet's disease (NBD) is defined as a combination of neurologic symptoms and/or signs in a patient with Behcet's disease (BD). Relevant syndromes include brainstem syndrome, multiple-sclerosis like presentations, movement disorders, meningoencephalitic syndrome, myelopathic syndrome, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), and intracranial hypertension. Central nervous involvement falls into parenchymal and non-parenchymal subtypes. The parenchymal type is more prevalent and presents as brainstem, hemispheric, spinal, and meningoencephalitic manifestations. Non-parenchymal type includes CVST and arterial involvement. Perivascular infiltration of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells is seen in most histo-pathologic reports. In parenchymal NBD, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) generally exhibits pleocytosis, increased protein and normal glucose. In NBD and CVST, CSF pressure is increased but content is usually normal. The typical acute NBD lesions in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are mesodiencephalic lesions. The pattern of extension from thalamus to midbrain provides a cascade sign. Brain MRI in chronic NBD usually shows brain or brainstem atrophy and/or black holes. The spinal MRI in the acute or subacute myelopathies reveals noncontiguous multifocal lesions mostly in cervical and thoracic lesions. In chronic patients, cord atrophy can also be seen. Brain MRI (particularly susceptibility-weighted images), MR venography (MRV) and computerized tomographic venography (CTV) can be used to diagnose CVST. Parenchymal NBD attacks can be treated with glucocorticoids alone or in combination with azathioprine. For patients with relapsing-remitting or progressive courses, shifting to more potent immunosuppressive drugs such as mycophenolate, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, or targeted therapy is warranted. For NBD and CVST, immunosuppressive drugs with or without anticoagulation are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bahareh Kardeh
- Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shubhasree Banerjee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Anahid Safari
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sahraian
- MS Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Kim SW, Kim TG, Oh J, Kim DY, Choi YC, Kim SM, Shin HY, Bang D. Clinical and Radiographic Characteristics of Neuro-Behçet's Disease in South Korea. J Clin Neurol 2019; 15:429-437. [PMID: 31591829 PMCID: PMC6785476 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2019.15.4.429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Neurological involvement in Behçet's disease [neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD)] is uncommon, but it is worth investigating since it can cause substantial disability. However, difficulties exist in understanding the clinical features of NBD due to regional variations and the lack of studies utilizing well-established diagnostic criteria. We therefore analyzed the clinical features of patients with NBD based on the recent international consensus recommendation. Methods We retrospectively searched electronic databases for patients with Behçet's disease (BD) between 2000 and 2017, and reviewed their medical records. Based on the recent international consensus recommendation, patients with definite or probable NBD were included. Results Of 9,817 patients with the diagnosis code for BD, 1,682 (17.1%) visited the neurology clinic and 110 (1.1%) were classified as NBD. Ninety-eight patients exhibited parenchymal NBD and 12 exhibited nonparenchymal NBD. Their age at the onset of NBD was 37.6±10.6 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1.24:1. Brainstem syndrome (43.9%) was the most common condition in the 98 patients with parenchymal NBD, followed by multifocal (32.7%) and spinal cord (12.2%) syndromes. 72.4% exhibited acute NBD and 27.6% exhibited a progressive disease course. Frequent manifestations included pyramidal signs (52.0%), headache (45.9%), dysarthria (42.9%), and fever (31.6%). A frequent pattern in brain MRI was an upper brainstem lesion extending to the thalamus and basal ganglia. Conclusions Approximately 1% of the patients with suspected BD exhibited NBD. Neurologists must understand the clinical characteristics of NBD in order to perform the differential diagnosis and management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Woo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Gyun Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jongwook Oh
- Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Chul Choi
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Min Kim
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ha Young Shin
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Dongsik Bang
- Department of Dermatoloy, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, Korea.
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18
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Zarei S, Eggert J, Franqui-Dominguez L, Carl Y, Boria F, Stukova M, Avila A, Rubi C, Chinea A. Comprehensive review of neuromyelitis optica and clinical characteristics of neuromyelitis optica patients in Puerto Rico. Surg Neurol Int 2018; 9:242. [PMID: 30603227 PMCID: PMC6293609 DOI: 10.4103/sni.sni_224_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. It is characterized by concurrent inflammation and demyelination of the optic nerve (optic neuritis [ON]) and the spinal cord (myelitis). Multiple studies show variations in prevalence, clinical, and demographic features of NMO among different populations. In addition, ethnicity and race are known as important factors on disease phenotype and clinical outcomes. There are little data on information about NMO patients in underserved groups, including Puerto Rico (PR). In this research, we will provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects of NMO, including epidemiology, environmental risk factors, genetic factors, molecular mechanism, symptoms, comorbidities and clinical differentiation, diagnosis, treatment, its management, and prognosis. We will also evaluate the demographic features and clinical phenotype of NMO patients in PR. This will provide a better understanding of NMO and establish a basis of knowledge that can be used to improve care. Furthermore, this type of population-based study can distinguish the clinical features variation among NMO patients and will provide insight into the potential mechanisms that cause these variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Zarei
- San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - James Eggert
- San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, Puerto Rico, USA
| | | | - Yonatan Carl
- San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Fernando Boria
- San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Marina Stukova
- San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, Puerto Rico, USA
| | | | - Cristina Rubi
- Caribbean Neurological Center, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Angel Chinea
- Caribbean Neurological Center, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, USA
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20
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Uygunoglu U, Zeydan B, Ozguler Y, Ugurlu S, Seyahi E, Kocer N, Islak C, Kantarci K, Saip S, Siva A, Kantarci OH. Myelopathy in Behçet's disease: The Bagel Sign. Ann Neurol 2017; 82:288-298. [DOI: 10.1002/ana.25004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Uygunoglu
- Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Neurology; Istanbul Turkey
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Rochester; MN
| | - Burcu Zeydan
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Rochester; MN
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Rochester; MN
| | - Yesim Ozguler
- Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Serdal Ugurlu
- Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Emire Seyahi
- Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Naci Kocer
- Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Radiology; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Civan Islak
- Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Radiology; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Kejal Kantarci
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Rochester; MN
| | - Sabahattin Saip
- Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Neurology; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Aksel Siva
- Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Neurology; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Orhun H. Kantarci
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Rochester; MN
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21
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Kim SM, Kim SJ, Lee HJ, Kuroda H, Palace J, Fujihara K. Differential diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2017; 10:265-289. [PMID: 28670343 PMCID: PMC5476332 DOI: 10.1177/1756285617709723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) mostly manifesting as optic neuritis and/or myelitis, which are frequently recurrent/bilateral or longitudinally extensive, respectively. As the autoantibody to aquaporin-4 (AQP4-Ab) can mediate the pathogenesis of NMOSD, testing for the AQP4-Ab in serum of patients can play a crucial role in diagnosing NMOSD. Nevertheless, the differential diagnosis of NMOSD in clinical practice is often challenging despite the phenotypical and serological characteristics of the disease because: (1) diverse diseases with autoimmune, vascular, infectious, or neoplastic etiologies can mimic these phenotypes of NMOSD; (2) patients with NMOSD may only have limited clinical manifestations, especially in their early disease stages; (3) test results for AQP4-Ab can be affected by several factors such as assay methods, serologic status, disease stages, or types of treatment; (4) some patients with NMOSD do not have AQP4-Ab; and (5) test results for the AQP4-Ab may not be readily available for the acute management of patients. Despite some similarity in their phenotypes, these NMOSD and NMOSD-mimics are distinct from each other in their pathogenesis, prognosis, and most importantly treatment. Understanding the detailed clinical, serological, radiological, and prognostic differences of these diseases will improve the proper management as well as diagnosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Min Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong-Joon Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Haeng Jin Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hiroshi Kuroda
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Jacqueline Palace
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kazuo Fujihara
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan Department of Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, and MS & NMO Center, Southern TOHOKU Research Institute for Neuroscience (STRINS), Koriyama 963-8563, Japan
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