Update on Neuro-ophthalmic Manifestations of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) use has been on the rise for treatment of many different malignancies. Subsequently, more has been learned about immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that occur up to 12 months after treatment. This review summarizes the latest findings and management of neuro-ophthalmic associated irAEs.

RECENT FINDINGS

irAEs can affect the afferent and efferent neuro-ophthalmic pathways, thereby targeting central and peripheral nervous systems. As more cases are being reported, it is becoming apparent that neuro-ophthalmic irAEs often present with atypical features when compared to their spontaneous autoimmune counterparts. These neuro-ophthalmic presentations can also be signs of a more extensive inflammatory process that spans other organ systems, such as myopathies, endocrinopathies, and paraneoplastic syndromes. Awareness of neuro-ophthalmic irAEs and their atypical presentations can lead to early detection, termination of ICI treatment, and immunosuppressant therapy initiation.

Cranial nerve involvement, visual complications and headache syndromes in Lyme disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide a summary of the visual manifestations and cranial neuropathies seen in Lyme disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Lyme facial palsy remains the most common manifestation of Lyme neuroborreliosis. Recent investigations show likely evidence of vagal involvement in Lyme disease.

SUMMARY

The literature on Lyme neuroborreliosis continues to evolve. Lyme disease can affect nearly any cranial nerve in addition to causing various headache syndromes. The most common manifestation is Lyme disease facial palsy, occurring in up to 5-10% of patients with documented Lyme disease. Headache syndromes are common in the context of facial palsy but can occur in isolation, and more specific headache syndromes including trigeminal and geniculate neuralgias can occur rarely. Signs and symptoms indicative of vestibulocochlear nerve involvement are relatively common, although it could be that these represent other vestibular involvement rather than a specific cranial neuropathy. Optic neuritis is a controversial entity within Lyme disease and is likely overdiagnosed, but convincing cases do exist. Physicians who see any cranial neuropathy, including optic neuritis, in an endemic area can consider Lyme disease as a possible cause.

Fluorescein Angiography Findings in Susac Syndrome: A Multicenter Retrospective Case Series

BACKGROUND

Susac syndrome is a vasculopathy, resulting in the classic triad of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), inner ear ischemia, and brain ischemia. In this retrospective chart review, we characterize fluorescein angiography (FA) findings and other ancillary studies in Susac syndrome, including the appearance of persistent disease activity and the occurrence of new subclinical disease on FA.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective case series was institutional review board-approved and included patients with the complete triad of Susac syndrome evaluated with FA, contrasted MRI of the brain, and audiometry from 2010 to 2020. The medical records were reviewed for these ancillary tests, along with demographics, symptoms, visual acuity, visual field defects, and findings on fundoscopy. Clinical relapse was defined as any objective evidence of disease activity during the follow-up period after initial induction of clinical quiescence. The main outcome measure was the sensitivity of ancillary testing, including FA, MRI, and audiometry, to detect relapse.

RESULTS

Twenty of the 31 (64%) patients had the complete triad of brain, retinal, and vestibulocochlear involvement from Susac syndrome and were included. Median age at diagnosis was 43.5 years (range 21-63), and 14 (70%) were women. Hearing loss occurred in 20 (100%), encephalopathy in 13 (65%), vertigo in 15 (75%), and headaches in 19 (95%) throughout the course of follow-up. Median visual acuity at both onset and final visit was 20/20 in both eyes. Seventeen (85%) had BRAO at baseline, and 10 (50%) experienced subsequent BRAO during follow-up. FA revealed nonspecific leakage from previous arteriolar damage in 20 (100%), including in patients who were otherwise in remission. Of the 11 episodes of disease activity in which all testing modalities were performed, visual field testing/fundoscopy was abnormal in 4 (36.4%), MRI brain in 2 (18.2%), audiogram in 8 (72.7%), and FA in 9 (81.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

New leakage on FA is the most sensitive marker of active disease. Persistent leakage represents previous damage, whereas new areas of leakage suggest ongoing disease activity that requires consideration of modifying immunosuppressive therapy.

Small fiber neuropathy associated with ANCA positivity: a case series and brief literature review

INTRODUCTION

Small fiber neuropathy [SFN] is a common peripheral neurologic disorder with a vast array of implicated etiologies. It has previously been proposed that some forms of immune-mediated small fiber neuropathy are driven by vasculitis, though antinuclear cytoplasmic antibodies [ANCA] antibodies have not commonly been reported in association with SFN, thus far. We present this case series to discuss the observation of a possible novel association between ANCA and SFN.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series of 6 patients with SFN and ANCA positivity, with and without systemic manifestations. Patients included were diagnosed with SFN by skin biopsy or autonomic function testing and were seropositive for ANCA by ELISA.

RESULTS

Six patients are outlined, including 4 females and 2 males. Antigen specific antibodies were MPO alone in 4 cases, PR3 alone in 1 case and both MPO and PR3 in 1 case. Systemic vasculitis was noted in 2 patients. Five patients received immunosuppression. Three patients experienced partial improvement, while symptoms stabilized in 3 patients.

DISCUSSION

This is the first series of patients with suspected immune-mediated SFN and ANCA antibody positivity, raising the possibility of ANCA mediated isolated SFN. This is in contradistinction to the more typical ANCA-mediated peripheral neuropathy manifestations of mononeuropathy multiplex or axonal sensorimotor neuropathy. We cannot unequivocally prove ANCA-associated vasculitis [AAV] causality in these cases; however, the stabilization in SFN symptomatology and associated improvement in ANCA antibody titer, after AAV treatment, may be indicative of an association.

SARS-CoV-2 Parainfectious Optic Neuropathy: 3 Case Reports and a Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Parainfectious optic neuritis is an inflammatory reaction that occurs shortly after an infection without direct invasion by a pathogen. The clinical profile depends on the infectious organism. Cases of SARS-CoV-2 parainfectious optic neuritis have been reported in the literature, but there are no reviews that have applied strict inclusion criteria to more definitively establish the clinical profile associated with SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

We present 3 new cases of SARS-CoV-2 parainfectious optic neuritis. We also review the literature for definite cases by selecting only those with unambiguous clinical features and MRI findings of optic neuritis, positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction or serology, and the absence of myelin oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein or aquaporin-4 antibodies or other diseases associated with optic neuritis.

RESULTS

We report 2 cases of monophasic, unilateral SARS-CoV-2 parainfectious optic neuritis with optic disc edema and nadir visual acuities of finger counting. We report 1 case of mild SARS-CoV-2 parainfectious optic neuritis that featured cotton wool spots, peripapillary wrinkles and hemorrhages, and recurrence after an initial steroid taper. We identified 6 cases of unambiguous SARS-CoV-2 parainfectious optic neuritis from the literature. Combining our case series with the case reports in the literature, the average age was 42.8 years, 3/9 had bilateral disease, 6/8 had optic disc edema, 8/9 had nadir visual acuity of finger counting or worse, and all recovered visual acuity to 20/40 or better after therapy with steroids.

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 parainfectious optic neuritis has a clinical profile that is atypical for idiopathic optic neuritis but fairly typical of parainfectious forms of optic neuritis with a severely reduced nadir visual acuity, high likelihood of bilaterality, high incidence of optic disc edema, and prompt and significant response to corticosteroids. Further study with long-term follow-up and epidemiologic investigation will be needed to further characterize this clinical entity.

Neuro-ophthalmic complications of varicella-zoster virus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review broadly describes recent neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reported in literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite varicella vaccination, the incidence of herpes zoster continues to rise, potentially leading to devastating consequences when ocular complications occur.A small but growing literature documents cases of retinal disease because of varicella reactivation after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, ischemic optic neuropathy occurring during herpes zoster ophthalmicus, VZV-induced orbital apex syndrome, and immune-mediated ocular complications in patients with prior neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of VZV.

SUMMARY

It is important for clinicians to keep abreast of the diverse neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of VZV as early diagnosis and treatment often lead to better visual outcomes.

A novel approach to hypophysitis: outcomes using non-glucocorticoid immunosuppressive therapy

OBJECTIVE

To determine pituitary function before and after nonglucocorticoid immunosuppressive therapy (NGIT) in subjects with hypophysitis and evaluate their clinical and radiologic outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective, longitudinal study.

METHODS

We reviewed a large database, selected subjects with hypophysitis treated with NGIT, and collected information on the duration of therapy, and clinical, hormonal, and radiologic outcomes.

RESULTS

Twelve subjects met the inclusion criteria. Five subjects had primary hypophysitis (PH), while seven had secondary hypophysitis (SH) due to an underlying systemic inflammatory disease. Mean age ± SD was 48.0 ± 15.7 years and 40.9 ± 13.0 years, for PH and SH, respectively. The majority were female (PH 60% and SH 86%). BMI ± SD at presentation was 25.2 ± 2.5 kg/m2 and 26.8 ± 6.7 kg/m2 for PH and SH, respectively. The most common symptom at presentation was fatigue (75%). All PH subjects (100%) and 2 (28.6%) SH subjects had polyuria/polydipsia. There was a significant decrease in mean pituitary stalk thickness after NGIT (P = .0051) (mean duration 16.5 ± 4.8 months). New hormone loss or recovery occurred rarely. Mycophenolate mofetil was the most used NGIT: adverse effects prompted discontinuation in 2 out of 7 subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with hypophysitis receiving NGIT had stable or improved brain/pituitary magnetic resonance imaging findings with a significant decrease in pituitary stalk thickness. NGITs did not improve anterior pituitary function. Our findings suggest that NGIT may be considered as an alternative therapy for patients with hypophysitis who require immunosuppression.

Treatment of IgG4-related disease-associated hypertrophic pachymeningitis with intrathecal rituximab: a case report

IgG4-related disease-associated hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IgG4RD-HP) is a fibroinflammatory autoimmune disorder in which diagnosis is difficult without biopsy. Guidance on management of disease refractory to glucocorticoids and intravenous rituximab is limited. We present the case of a 68-year-old woman with IgG4RD-HP who developed sensorineural hearing loss with associated bulky basilar pachymeningeal enhancement. Her cerebrospinal fluid was inflammatory and had an elevated IgG4 concentration, strongly suggestive of IgG4RD-HP. Biopsy of involved meninges was not possible due to surgical risk. Over years she developed bilateral optic neuropathies and hydrocephalus, requiring intravenous rituximab and ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Her disease was refractory to glucocorticoids. Despite maintenance intravenous rituximab, she developed slowly progressive symptoms of intracranial hypertension and hydrocephalus with persistently inflammatory spinal fluid. Switching to intrathecal rituximab therapy led to dramatic improvement in gait and headache and reduced pachymeningeal bulk and metabolic activity. In patients with IgG4RD-HP refractory to glucocorticoids and intravenous rituximab, intrathecal rituximab may be an efficacious therapy.

The Treatment of Acute Optic Neuritis

Despite the high incidence of optic neuritis (ON), and the growing number of therapeutic options for the long-term treatment of diseases associated with ON including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and MOG antibody associated disease (MOGAD), there are still only limited therapeutic options for treating an acute event of optic neuritis. These include steroids, plasma exchange (PLEX) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). High-dose steroids remain the mainstay of acute treatment. However, evidence is emerging that when optic neuritis is accompanied with certain atypical features that suggest a more unfavorable outcome this mandates special consideration such as early addition of other therapeutic agents or tapering the steroid very slowly. This review will distinguish between typical and atypical neuritis and discuss acute treatment options.

Indirect Comparison of Lenadogene Nolparvovec Gene Therapy Versus Natural History in Patients with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Carrying the m.11778G>A MT-ND4 Mutation

INTRODUCTION

Lenadogene nolparvovec is a promising novel gene therapy for patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) carrying the m.11778G>A ND4 mutation (MT-ND4). A previous pooled analysis of phase 3 studies showed an improvement in visual acuity of patients injected with lenadogene nolparvovec compared to natural history. Here, we report updated results by incorporating data from the latest phase 3 trial REFLECT in the pool, increasing the number of treated patients from 76 to 174.

METHODS

The visual acuity of 174 MT-ND4-carrying patients with LHON injected in one or both eyes with lenadogene nolparvovec from four pooled phase 3 studies (REVERSE, RESCUE and their long-term extension trial RESTORE; and REFLECT trial) was compared to the spontaneous evolution of an external control group of 208 matched patients from 11 natural history studies.

RESULTS

Treated patients showed a clinically relevant and sustained improvement in their visual acuity when compared to natural history. Mean improvement versus natural history was - 0.30 logMAR (+ 15 ETDRS letters equivalent) at last observation (P < 0.01) with a maximal follow-up of 3.9 years after injection. Most treated eyes were on-chart as compared to less than half of natural history eyes at 48 months after vision loss (89.6% versus 48.1%; P < 0.01) and at last observation (76.1% versus 44.4%; P < 0.01). When we adjusted for covariates of interest (gender, age of onset, ethnicity, and duration of follow-up), the estimated mean gain was - 0.43 logMAR (+ 21.5 ETDRS letters equivalent) versus natural history at last observation (P < 0.0001). Treatment effect was consistent across all phase 3 clinical trials. Analyses from REFLECT suggest a larger treatment effect in patients receiving bilateral injection compared to unilateral injection.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of lenadogene nolparvovec in improving visual acuity in MT-ND4 LHON was confirmed in a large cohort of patients, compared to the spontaneous natural history decline. Bilateral injection of gene therapy may offer added benefits over unilateral injection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT02652780 (REVERSE); NCT02652767 (RESCUE); NCT03406104 (RESTORE); NCT03293524 (REFLECT); NCT03295071 (REALITY).

Safety of Lenadogene Nolparvovec Gene Therapy Over 5 Years in 189 Patients With Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety profile of lenadogene nolparvovec (Lumevoq) in patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.

DESIGN

Pooled analysis of safety data from 5 clinical studies.

METHODS

A total of 189 patients received single unilateral or bilateral intravitreal injections of a recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 (rAAV2/2) vector encoding the human wild-type ND4 gene. Adverse events (AEs) were collected throughout the studies, up to 5 years. Intraocular inflammation and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) were ocular AEs of special interest. Other assessments included ocular examinations, vector bio-dissemination, and systemic immune responses against rAAV2/2.

RESULTS

Almost all patients (95.2%) received 9 × 10¹⁰ viral genomes and 87.8% had at least 2 years of follow-up. Most patients (75.1%) experienced at least one systemic AE, but systemic treatment-related AEs occurred in 3 patients; none were serious. Intraocular inflammation was reported in 75.6% of lenadogene nolparvovec-treated eyes. Almost all intraocular inflammations occurred in the anterior chamber (58.8%) or in the vitreous (40.3%), and were of mild (90.3%) or moderate (8.8%) intensity; most resolved with topical corticosteroids alone. All IOP increases were mild to moderate in intensity. No AE led to study discontinuation. Bio-dissemination of lenadogene nolparvovec and systemic immune response were limited. The safety profile was comparable for patients treated bilaterally and unilaterally.

CONCLUSIONS

Lenadogene nolparvovec had a good overall safety profile with excellent systemic tolerability, consistent with limited bio-dissemination. The product was well tolerated, with mostly mild ocular side effects responsive to conventional ophthalmologic treatments.

Randomized trial of bilateral gene therapy injection for m.11778G > A MT-ND4 Leber optic neuropathy

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is an important example of mitochondrial blindness with the m.11778G > A mutation in the MT-ND4 gene being the most common disease-causing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variant worldwide. The REFLECT phase 3 pivotal study is a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy and safety of bilateral intravitreal injection of lenadogene nolparvovec in patients with a confirmed m.11778G > A mutation, using a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector 2, serotype 2 (rAAV2/2-ND4). The first-affected eye received gene therapy; the fellow (affected/not-yet-affected) eye was randomly injected with gene therapy or placebo. The primary endpoint was the difference in change from baseline of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in second-affected/not-yet-affected eyes treated with lenadogene nolparvovec versus placebo at 1.5 years post-treatment, expressed in logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (LogMAR). Forty-eight patients were treated bilaterally and 50 unilaterally. At 1.5 years, the change from baseline in BCVA was not statistically different between second-affected/not-yet-affected eyes receiving lenadogene nolparvovec and placebo (primary endpoint). A statistically significant improvement in BCVA was reported from baseline to 1.5 years in lenadogene nolparvovec-treated eyes: -0.23 LogMAR for the first-affected eyes of bilaterally treated patients (p < 0.01); and -0.15 LogMAR for second-affected/not-yet-affected eyes of bilaterally treated patients and the first-affected eyes of unilaterally treated patients (p < 0.05). The mean improvement in BCVA from nadir to 1.5 years was -0.38 (0.052) LogMAR and -0.33 (0.052) LogMAR in first-affected and second-affected/not-yet-affected eyes treated with lenadogene nolparvovec, respectively (bilateral treatment group). A mean improvement of -0.33 (0.051) LogMAR and -0.26 (0.051) LogMAR was observed in first-affected lenadogene nolparvovec-treated eyes and second-affected/not-yet-affected placebo-treated eyes, respectively (unilateral treatment group). The proportion of patients with one or both eyes on-chart at 1.5 years was 85.4% and 72.0% for bilaterally and unilaterally treated patients, respectively. The gene therapy was well tolerated, with no systemic issues. Intraocular inflammation, which was mostly mild and well controlled with topical corticosteroids, occurred in 70.7% of lenadogene nolparvovec-treated eyes versus 10.2% of placebo-treated eyes. Among eyes treated with lenadogene nolparvovec, there was no difference in the incidence of intraocular inflammation between bilaterally and unilaterally treated patients. Overall, the REFLECT trial demonstrated an improvement of BCVA in LHON eyes carrying the m.11778G > A mtDNA mutation treated with lenadogene nolparvovec or placebo to a degree not reported in natural history studies and supports an improved benefit/risk profile for bilateral injections of lenadogene nolparvovec relative to unilateral injections.

Optic perineuritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review paper aims at discussing pathogenesis, etiology, clinical features, management, and prognosis of OPN.

RECENT FINDINGS

Optic perineuritis (OPN) is an inflammatory process primarily involving the optic nerve sheath. Clinically, OPN usually presents with unilateral, gradual decline of visual function, eye pain, and/or pain on eye movements, disc edema and various features of optic nerve dysfunction, including visual field defects. It can mimic typical optic neuritis. In most cases of OPN, the disease is isolated with no specific etiology being identified, however, it can also occur secondary to a wide range of underlying systemic diseases. OPN is clinically diagnosed and radiologically confirmed based on the finding of circumferential perineural enhancement of the optic nerve sheath on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

SUMMARY

Unlike optic nerve, OPN is not typically self-limited without treatment. High-dose oral corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment in OPN. The initiation of therapy usually causes rapid and dramatic improvement in signs and symptoms. In general, OPN usually has a relatively good visual prognosis, which is influenced by delays between the onset of visual loss and the initiation of steroid therapy as well as the presence of underlying systemic diseases.

Study design and baseline characteristics for the reflect gene therapy trial ofm.11778g>A/ND4-LHON

Objective

REFLECT is the first randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled multicentre phase 3 clinical trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of bilateral intravitreal (IVT) injection of lenadogene nolparvovec in subjects with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy carrying the m.11778G>A mutation.

Methods and analysis

A total of 98 subjects were enrolled with vision loss of ≤12 months. The subjects were randomised to one of two treatment arms with all subjects receiving an intravitreal (IVT) injection of lenadogene nolparvovec in their first affected eye and the second-affected eye randomised to receive IVT of either lenadogene nolparvovec or placebo.

Results

The majority of subjects were male with a mean duration of vision loss of 8.3 months. All but one subject experienced bilateral loss of vision at the time of injection. The mean best-corrected visual acuity of first-affected eyes was worse compared with second/not-yet-affected eyes. Analysis of retinal anatomical parameters showed increased thinning in the first-affected eyes when compared with the second/not-yet-affected eyes with both treatment arms showing significant changes compared with unaffected individuals.

Conclusion

The REFLECT trial is the third and the largest phase 3 clinical study evaluating lenadogene nolparvovec in m.11778G>A Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) subjects. The observed demographics in REFLECT are consistent with previous reports in LHON subjects in the acute and dynamic phases of LHON disease. Combined with the visual function and anatomical parameters obtained in the previous RESCUE and REVERSE trials, REFLECT has provided a uniformly collected data set that should help direct future LHON clinical trials.

Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in the Setting of Cocaine-Induced Orbital and Sinonasal Inflammation

Intranasal cocaine abuse can lead to significant sinus and orbital complications, including optic neuropathy. A 46-year-old man with a history of recurrent cocaine-induced sino-orbital inflammation and infection with bony destruction presented with acute, painless, vision loss. Examination revealed no light perception vision. MRI of the orbits demonstrated new restricted diffusion of the right optic nerve on diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient sequences, consistent with posterior ischemic optic neuropathy. This is the first among cases of cocaine-induced optic neuropathy in the literature to illustrate ischemic changes on MRI in the optic nerve, highlighting the utility of diffusion-weighted imaging/apparent diffusion coefficient sequences when optic neuropathy is suspected and further suggesting an underlying ischemic etiology in similar cases.

Optic Perineuritis Associated With Cryptococcal Meningitis Presenting With a "Hot Orbit" in a Patient With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

ABSTRACT

A 75-year-old man presented with 3 days of progressive left retro-orbital pain, eyelid swelling, tearing, and pain with extraocular movement. His medical history was significant for type II diabetes mellitus and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, stable on no therapy since diagnosis 8 years prior. The initial examination was significant for diffuse restriction of left ocular motility, marked lid edema, and mild dyschromatopsia. Computed tomography demonstrated asymmetric left periorbital soft tissue swelling and intraconal fat stranding with an irregular left optic nerve sheath complex and clear paranasal sinuses. He was hospitalized for orbital cellulitis and treated empirically with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, but his visual acuity declined over the ensuing 2 days. Subsequent MRI demonstrated left-greater-than-right circumferential optic nerve sheath enhancement, and leptomeningeal enhancement. An orbital biopsy demonstrated monoclonal B-cell lymphocyte aggregation, whereas a lumbar puncture was positive for Cryptococcus antigen with subsequent demonstration of abundant Cryptococcus by Papanicolaou stain. The final diagnosis was optic perineuritis secondary to cryptococcal meningitis presenting with orbital inflammation. Although his clinical course was complicated by immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, symptoms and signs of optic neuropathy ultimately resolved after 1 month of intensive antifungal therapy.

Orbital Inflammation in Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

To present 2 patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease with unilateral orbital inflammation, optic nerve head edema, and abnormalities of the optic nerve and nerve sheath on imaging. We review the most current literature on this important and uncommon clinical phenotype.

METHODS

A case report of 2 patients and a comprehensive review of the relevant literature on orbital inflammation in MOG antibody-associated disease (MOG-AD).

RESULTS

Two patients presented with decreased vision and unilateral orbital inflammation. Both had optic nerve head edema and abnormalities of the optic nerve and nerve sheath on imaging. The patients were treated with immunosuppressants and had improvement of vision changes as well as their orbital inflammatory signs. MOG antibody was positive in high titers in both patients. Only 3 other cases of orbital inflammation associated with MOG antibody have been described. In all cases, orbital signs responded rapidly to intravenous methylprednisolone, but the improvement in visual acuity was variable and less robust.

CONCLUSION

Orbital inflammation is a unique and underrecognized phenotype of MOG-AD with only a few reports in the literature. In patients who present with vision loss and orbital inflammation, MOG-AD should be considered in the differential.

Neuroradiologic Imaging of Neurologic and Neuro-Ophthalmic Complications of Coronavirus-19 Infection

BACKGROUND

To review the literature and provide a summary of COVID-19-related neurologic and neuro-ophthalmic complications.

METHODS

The currently available literature was reviewed on PubMed and Google Scholar using the following keywords for searches: CNS, Neuro-Ophthalmology, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, optic neuritis, pseudotumor cerebri, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), meningitis, encephalitis, acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy, and Guillain-Barré and Miller Fisher syndromes.

RESULTS

Neuroradiologic findings of neurologic and neuro-ophthalmologic complications in relationship to COVID-19 infection were reviewed. Afferent visual pathway-related disorders with relevant imaging manifestations included fundus nodules on MRI, papilledema and pseudotumor cerebri syndrome, optic neuritis, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, vascular injury with thromboembolism and infarct, leukoencephalopathy, gray matter hypoxic injury, hemorrhage, infectious meningitis/encephalitis, acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy, and PRES. Efferent visual pathway-related complications with relevant imaging manifestations were also reviewed, including orbital abnormalities, cranial neuropathy, Guillain-Barré and Miller Fisher syndromes, and nystagmus and other eye movement abnormalities related to rhombencephalitis.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 can cause central and peripheral nervous system disease, including along both the afferent and efferent components of visual axis. Manifestations of disease and long-term sequela continue to be studied and described. Familiarity with the wide variety of neurologic, ophthalmic, and neuroradiologic presentations can promote prompt and appropriate treatment and continue building a framework to understand the underlying mechanism of disease.

Chronic Relapsing Inflammatory Optic Neuropathy (CRION)

Purpose of review

This review highlights the epidemiology, clinical and radiologic characteristics of chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy (CRION) and treatment modalities.

Recent findings

Summary

CRION is an inflammatory optic neuropathy that is characterized by a chronic and relapsing course, that is characterized by pain associated with subacute vision loss. It is favorably responsive but highly dependent on corticosteroids with frequent relapses in the setting of steroid tapering. Additional diagnostic biomarkers and further studies are required to better diagnose and treat this rare but potentially debilitating condition.

Case 292: Lyme Neuroborreliosis

History A 24-year-old right-handed woman presented to a neuro-ophthalmology clinic in Massachusetts in the summer with acute binocular diplopia when looking down and to the left, which started about 1 month earlier. Her medical history was notable for Raynaud syndrome, recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis, and an allergy to amoxicillin. Three days prior to developing diplopia, she presented to an outside emergency department due to fever, chills, and back pain. She received ciprofloxacin for presumed urinary tract infection based on urinalysis, which demonstrated few bacteria and was negative for leukocyte esterase, nitrites, and white blood cells. She then presented again to an outside emergency department for diplopia evaluation. Initial MRI and MR angiography of the brain at that time did not demonstrate any relevant findings, and the patient was referred to our department for neuro-ophthalmic evaluation, where she was seen 4 weeks later. Neuro-ophthalmic examination revealed 20/20 visual acuity in both eyes, and a right hypertropia in left gaze, downgaze and right head tilt, with right eye excyclotorsion. There were no ocular signs of myasthenia gravis or thyroid eye disease, nor did the patient report ocular or systemic symptoms. She denied recent travel. High-spatial-resolution MRI of the brain and orbit were performed.

Consensus disease definitions for neurologic immune-related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors

Expanding the US Food and Drug Administration-approved indications for immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with cancer has resulted in therapeutic success and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Neurologic irAEs (irAE-Ns) have an incidence of 1%-12% and a high fatality rate relative to other irAEs. Lack of standardized disease definitions and accurate phenotyping leads to syndrome misclassification and impedes development of evidence-based treatments and translational research. The objective of this study was to develop consensus guidance for an approach to irAE-Ns including disease definitions and severity grading. A working group of four neurologists drafted irAE-N consensus guidance and definitions, which were reviewed by the multidisciplinary Neuro irAE Disease Definition Panel including oncologists and irAE experts. A modified Delphi consensus process was used, with two rounds of anonymous ratings by panelists and two meetings to discuss areas of controversy. Panelists rated content for usability, appropriateness and accuracy on 9-point scales in electronic surveys and provided free text comments. Aggregated survey responses were incorporated into revised definitions. Consensus was based on numeric ratings using the RAND/University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Appropriateness Method with prespecified definitions. 27 panelists from 15 academic medical centers voted on a total of 53 rating scales (6 general guidance, 24 central and 18 peripheral nervous system disease definition components, 3 severity criteria and 2 clinical trial adjudication statements); of these, 77% (41/53) received first round consensus. After revisions, all items received second round consensus. Consensus definitions were achieved for seven core disorders: irMeningitis, irEncephalitis, irDemyelinating disease, irVasculitis, irNeuropathy, irNeuromuscular junction disorders and irMyopathy. For each disorder, six descriptors of diagnostic components are used: disease subtype, diagnostic certainty, severity, autoantibody association, exacerbation of pre-existing disease or de novo presentation, and presence or absence of concurrent irAE(s). These disease definitions standardize irAE-N classification. Diagnostic certainty is not always directly linked to certainty to treat as an irAE-N (ie, one might treat events in the probable or possible category). Given consensus on accuracy and usability from a representative panel group, we anticipate that the definitions will be used broadly across clinical and research settings.

Afferent and Efferent Neuro-Ophthalmic Complications of Coronavirus Disease 19

PURPOSE

To provide a summary of the neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) documented in the literature thus far.

METHODS

The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using the keywords: Neuro-Ophthalmology, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and coronavirus. A manual search through reference lists of relevant articles was also performed.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

The literature on COVID-associated neuro-ophthalmic disease continues to grow. Afferent neuro-ophthalmic complications associated with COVID-19 include optic neuritis, papillophlebitis, papilledema, visual disturbance associated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and vision loss caused by stroke. Efferent neuro-ophthalmic complications associated with COVID-19 include cranial neuropathies, Miller Fisher syndrome, Adie's pupils, ocular myasthenia gravis, nystagmus and eye movement disorders. Proposed mechanisms of neurologic disease include immunologic upregulation, vasodilation and vascular permeability, endothelial dysfunction, coagulopathy, and direct viral neurotropism. When patients present to medical centers with new onset neuro-ophthalmic conditions during the pandemic, COVID-19 infection should be kept on the differential.

Consensus disease definitions for the spectrum of neurologic immune related adverse events

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Background: Expanding FDA-approved indications for immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with cancer has resulted in both therapeutic success and immune related adverse events (irAEs). Neurologic irAEs (irAE-Ns) have an incidence of 1-12% and a high fatality rate relative to other irAEs. Lack of standardized disease definitions and accurate phenotyping leads to syndrome misclassification and impedes evidence-based treatments and research progress. The objectives of this study were to develop consensus guidance for an approach to irAE-Ns including disease definitions and severity grading. Methods: A working group of 4 neurologists drafted irAE-N consensus guidance and definitions, which were reviewed by the Neuro irAE Disease Definition Panel, consisting of neurologists, oncologists, neuro-oncologists and irAE subspecialists. A modified Delphi consensus process was used, with 2 rounds of anonymous ratings by panelists and 2 virtual meetings to discuss areas of controversy. Panelists rated content for usability, appropriateness and accuracy on 9-point scales in electronic surveys and provided free text comments. The working group aggregated survey responses and incorporated them into revised definitions. Consensus was based on numeric ratings using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method with prespecified definitions. Results: Twenty-seven panelists from 15 academic medical centers voted on a total of 53 rating scales (6 general guidance, 24 central and 18 peripheral nervous system disease definition components, 3 severity criteria and 2 clinical trial adjudication statements); of these, 77% (41/53) received first round consensus. After revisions, all items received second round consensus. Consensus definitions were achieved for 7 core disorders: irMeningitis, irEncephalitis/Encephalomyelitis, irDemyelinating disease, irVasculitis, irNeuropathy, irNeuromuscular junction disorders and irMyopathy. For each disorder, 6 sub-classifications are described: disease subtype, diagnostic certainty, severity, autoantibody association, exacerbation of pre-existing disease or de novo presentation and present or absent concurrent irAE. Conclusions: These disease definitions standardize irAE-N classification. They are being incorporated into a multi-institutional registry that our group has initiated to study irAEs. Given consensus on their accuracy and usability from a representative panel group, we anticipate that they can be used broadly across clinical and research settings.

Case 292

History A 24-year-old right-handed woman presented to a neuro-ophthalmology clinic in Massachusetts in the summer with acute binocular diplopia when looking down and to the left, which started about 1 month earlier. Her medical history was notable for Raynaud syndrome, recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis, and an allergy to amoxicillin. Three days prior to developing diplopia, she presented to an outside emergency department due to fever, chills, and back pain. She received ciprofloxacin for presumed urinary tract infection based on urinalysis, which demonstrated few bacteria and was negative for leukocyte esterase, nitrites, and white blood cells. She then presented again to an outside emergency department for diplopia evaluation. Initial MRI and MR angiography of the brain at that time did not demonstrate any relevant findings, and the patient was referred to our department for neuro-ophthalmic evaluation, where she was seen 4 weeks later. Neuro-ophthalmic examination revealed 20/20 visual acuity in both eyes, and a right hypertropia in left gaze, downgaze and right head tilt, with right eye excyclotorsion. There were no ocular signs of myasthenia gravis or thyroid eye disease, nor did the patient report ocular or systemic symptoms. She denied recent travel. High-spatial-resolution MRI of the brain and orbit were performed (Figs 1, 2).

The neurology of IGG4-related disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is emerging as a fibro-inflammatory entity affecting multiple organs, including manifold neurologic manifestations. This review discusses general characteristics of IgG4-RD neurologic disease including epidemiology, histology, clinical picture and treatment approaches.

RECENT FINDINGS

IgG4-RD is increasingly recognized as an important underlying pathophysiology in multiple disorders of neurologic interest, including orbital inflammation, infundibulo-hypophysitis, hypertrophic pachymeningitis, and even in rare cases CNS parenchymal disease and cranial vascular involvement. These were previously considered idiopathic and unrelated to any systemic disease but now known to share a common histopathology. New knowledge regarding the pathogenesis, clinical features and epidemiology of IgG4 is emerging, and new neurological manifestations continue to be described. Diagnostic progress includes CT-PET imaging, the use of flow cytometry for plasmablast quantification, and the use of reverse passive latex agglutination aiming to overcome the prozone phenomenon. Histopathologic confirmation of IgG4-RD remains the gold standard method of diagnosis but new diagnostic criteria for systemic and organ-specific disease are being proposed. Though glucorticoids remain the mainstay of therapy, relapses and incomplete recovery are frequent. Rituximab is a promising treatment in IgG4-RD that is severe, refractory or glucocorticoid dependent. Initiation of immunosuppression at an early stage of disease should be considered in order to avoid development of refractory fibrosis.

SUMMARY

The current review emphasizes the neurologic manifestations of IgG4-RD.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy and related inflammatory disorders

Inflammatory cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a largely reversible inflammatory vasculopathy that develops in an acute or subacute fashion in reaction to amyloid protein deposition in the central nervous system blood vessels. There are two recognized pathologically characterized variants: cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAAri) and A beta-related angiitis (ABRA). Both variants produce a clinical picture that resembles primary angiitis of the CNS but is distinguished by a characteristic radiologic appearance. Although originally defined as a clinicopathologic diagnosis, it can now often be diagnosed based on clinicoradiologic criteria, though confirmation with brain and meningeal biopsy is still required in some cases. This disorder typically responds to steroids but addition of other immune suppressants may be needed in some cases to control the disease.

Neuro-ophthalmic Complications of Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the field of oncology by modulating the immune cell-cancer cell interaction and thereby promoting immune system disinhibition in order to target several types of malignancies. There are three classes of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs): anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), and anti-programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1).It is not uncommon for physicians across all specialties to encounter a patient with a history of malignancy and ICI exposure, necessitating familiarity with their potential complications. In this review article, we discuss the most common immune-related adverse events (irAEs) pertaining to the central and peripheral nervous systems and their potential afferent and efferent neuro-ophthalmic manifestations. Early recognition and treatment of these irAEs, and discontinuation of the offending ICI are all critical steps to prevent morbidity and mortality.

A multi-center case series of sarcoid optic neuropathy

OBJECTIVE

The diagnosis of sarcoid optic neuropathy is time-sensitive, as delayed treatment risks irreversible vision loss. We sought to analyze its characteristics and outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a multi-center retrospective study of sarcoid optic neuropathy among 5 USA medical centers. Inclusion criteria were: 1) clinical optic neuropathy; 2) optic nerve/sheath enhancement on neuroimaging; 3) pathological confirmation of systemic or nervous system sarcoidosis.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were included. The median onset age of sarcoid optic neuropathy was 50 years (range, 17-70 years) and 71% were female. The median visual acuity at nadir in the most affected eye was 20/80 (range, 20/20 to no-light-perception). Thirty-four of 50 (68%) patients had radiologic evidence of other nervous system involvement and 20 (39%) patients had symptoms/signs of other cranial nerve dysfunction. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an elevated white blood cell count in 22 of 31 (71%) patients (median: 14/μL; range: 1-643/μL). Pathologic confirmation of sarcoidosis was by biopsy of systemic/pulmonary site, 34 (67%); optic nerve/sheath, 9 (18%); or other nervous system region, 8 (16%). Forty patients improved with treatment (78%), 98% receiving corticosteroids and 65% receiving steroid-sparing immunosuppressants, yet 11/46 patients (24%) had a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcoid optic neuropathy frequently occurs with other clinical and radiologic abnormalities caused by neurosarcoidosis and diagnostic confirmation occasionally requires optic nerve/sheath biopsy. Improvement with treatment is common but most patients have some residual visual disability. Improved recognition and a more expeditious diagnosis and treatment may spare patients from permanent vision loss.

Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of Susac syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review discusses general features and organ-specific presentations of Susac syndrome as well as diagnosis and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Latest literature regarding demographics, new diagnostic modalities such as optical coherence tomography and treatment options for Susac syndrome are discussed in detail in this review, summarizing the most recent updated information.

SUMMARY

Susac syndrome is a rare, underdiagnosed, and often misdiagnosed disease that can lead to severe complications such as deafness, vision loss, dementia, and death. It involves the central nervous system and may mimic other neurological and neuro-ophthalmological diseases.

Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of coronavirus disease 19

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide a summary of the neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), documented in the literature thus far.

RECENT FINDINGS

A small but growing literature documents cases of new onset neuro-ophthalmic disease, in the setting of COVID-19 infection. Patients with COVID-19 have experienced acute onset vision loss, optic neuritis, cranial neuropathies, and Miller Fisher syndrome. In addition, COVID-19 increases the risk of cerebrovascular diseases that can impact the visual system.

SUMMARY

The literature on COVID-19 continues to evolve. Although COVID-19 primarily impacts the respiratory system, there are several reports of new onset neuro-ophthalmic conditions in COVID-infected patients. When patients present with new onset neuro-ophthalmic issues, COVID-19 should be kept on the differential. Testing for COVID-19 should be considered, especially when fever or respiratory symptoms are also present. When screening general patients for COVID-19-associated symptoms, frontline physicians can consider including questions about diplopia, eye pain, pain with extraocular movements, decreased vision, gait issues, and other neurologic symptoms. The presence of these symptoms may increase the overall probability of viral infection, especially when fever or respiratory symptoms are present. More research is needed to establish a causal relationship between COVID-19 and neuro-ophthalmic disease, and better understand pathogenesis.

Association Between Immunosuppressive Treatment and Outcomes of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy-Related Inflammation

IMPORTANCE

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAA-ri), a distinct subtype of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, is characterized by an autoimmune reaction to cerebrovascular β-amyloid deposits. Outcomes and response to immunosuppressive therapy for CAA-ri are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical, neuroimaging, laboratory, pathologic, or treatment-related associations with outcomes after an episode of CAA-ri.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective cohort study of prospectively identified individuals who presented from July 3, 1998, to November 27, 2017, with a median follow-up of 2.7 years (interquartile range, 1.0-5.5 years). The study included 48 consecutive patients with CAA-ri meeting diagnostic criteria who had at least 1 disease episode and subsequent outcome data. No patients refused or were excluded.

EXPOSURES

Prespecified candidate variables were immunosuppressive therapies, cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, magnetic resonance imaging findings of recent infarcts or contrast enhancement, and histopathologic evidence of vessel wall inflammation.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Clinical improvement and worsening were defined by persistent changes in signs or symptoms, radiographic improvement by decreased subcortical foci of T2 hyperintensity or T1 enhancement, and radiographic worsening by increased subcortical T2 hyperintensity, T1 enhancement, or infarcts. Disease recurrence was defined as new-onset clinical symptoms associated with new imaging findings.

RESULTS

The 48 individuals in the study included 29 women and had a mean (SD) age of 68.9 (9.9) years. Results of presenting magnetic resonance imaging revealed that 10 of 29 patients with CAA-ri (34%) had T1 contrast enhancement, 30 of 32 (94%) had subcortical T2 hyperintensity (22 of 30 [73%] asymmetric), 7 of 32 (22%) had acute or subacute punctate infarcts, and 27 of 31 (87%) had microbleeds. Immunosuppressive treatments after first episodes included corticosteroids (33 [69%]), cyclophosphamide (6 [13%]), and mycophenolate (2 [4%]); 14 patients (29%) received no treatment. Clinical improvement and radiographic improvement were each more likely in individuals treated with an immunosuppressive agent than with no treatment (clinical improvement: 32 of 34 [94%] vs 7 of 14 [50%]; odds ratio, 16.0; 95% CI, 2.72-94.1; radiographic improvement: 24 of 28 [86%] vs 4 of 14 [29%]; odds ratio, 15.0; 95% CI, 3.12-72.1). Recurrence was less likely if CAA-ri was treated with any immunosuppressant agent than not (9 of 34 [26%] vs 10 of 14 [71%]; hazard ratio, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.07-0.48). When controlling for treatment, no variables were associated with outcomes aside from an association between APOE ɛ4 and radiographic improvement (odds ratio, 4.49; 95% CI, 1.11-18.2).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These results from a relatively large series of patients with CAA-ri support the effectiveness of immunosuppressive treatment and suggest that early treatment may both improve the initial disease course and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. These results raise the possibility that early blunting of CAA-ri and the autoimmune response may have long-term benefits for the subsequent disease course.

Case report: Orbital myositis triggering oxygen-responsive cluster headache

BACKGROUND

Orbital myositis is an idiopathic, non-infectious condition, typically seen in young females and usually affecting one extraocular muscle. Orbital myositis mimicking cluster headache is a rare clinical entity, and this is the first description of a case of a secondary trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia from orbital myositis responsive to high-flow oxygen.

CASE

A young woman presented with new-onset, oxygen-responsive headache, periorbital pain and autonomic features. She had associated vertical diplopia on downgaze and subtle ocular misalignment. An initial diagnosis of cluster headache was made. Initial brain MRI was unrevealing, but dedicated MRI of the orbits showed enhancement of orbital muscles. The diplopia and the imaging findings were consistent with orbital myositis.

CONCLUSION

Orbital myositis mimicking cluster headache is rare, and not previously reported as an oxygen-responsive headache.

Abstract WP426: Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy-related Inflammation: Immunosuppressive Treatment and Outcome

Introduction: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAAri) is characterized by altered cognition, headaches, and seizures and is associated with vasogenic edema and an anti-amyloid immune response on imaging and histology. Optimal treatments are poorly understood. Our objective was to analyze clinical features and treatment strategies in CAAri to identify predictors of outcome.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 56 consecutive patients with pathologically or radiographically diagnosed CAAri at Massachusetts General Hospital. Clinical, laboratory, pathology, and treatment data were collected for analysis. Inflammatory events were defined by previously described clinical and radiographic parameters. Chi-Square analyses were used to determine if treatment with immunotherapy was associated with outcomes.

Results: Of the 56 subjects, 8 had vessel wall inflammation on pathology, 21 had perivascular inflammation on pathology, and 48 had probable CAAri by validated imaging criteria. Thirty-five were female, 49 presented with an inflammatory event, and the mean age at first event was 69.3+/-10.2 years. First events included headache (n=21), cognitive/behavioral change (29), focal deficit (9), seizure (20), and other (6). CSF was examined in 26 subjects after first event (6 with WBC>5, 24 with protein>45, 1 without abnormality). Treatments included steroids (33), cyclophosphamide (6), mycophenolate (2), and no treatment (14). After first event, clinical improvement (n=39) was more likely if treated with any immunotherapy than not (32/34 vs 7/14, p=0.001). Radiographic improvement (28) was more likely if treated than not (24/28 vs 4/14, p<0.0001). Radiographic worsening (13) was less likely if treated than if not treated (3/28 vs. 10/14, p<0.0001). Only 3 had clinical worsening and 0 were unchanged. At least 1 recurrent event (19) was more likely if not treated than if treated (10/13 vs 9/31, p=0.005); 10 had multiple recurrences and 1 died during an event.

Conclusion: This study of the largest CAAri patient population to-date suggests treatment with immunosuppression is associated with improved clinical and radiographic outcomes and decreased recurrence of events.