Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system with a predilection for the optic nerves and the spinal cord. Immunopathological evidence suggests that the target antigen of the disease is aquaporin-4. An IgG antibody against this protein has been explored as a molecular marker for the disease and as a diagnostic tool due to its high sensitivity and specificity in various populations. OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of NMO- IgG testing in Indian patients with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features consistent with NMO and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features consistent with NMO, LETM, and MS were tested for serum NMO- IgG. Of these patients, 22 patients satisfied revised (2006) Wingerchuk criteria for NMO (excluding NMO- IgG status) and 11 patients had LETM. Twelve patients satisfied the revised (2010) McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS). RESULTS: Of the 21 patients, satisfying the criteria for NMO and for whom the test results were available, 17 were positive for NMO- IgG (80.9%), and of the 11 patients having LETM, 6 (54.5%) were positive for NMO- IgG. In one patient with NMO, the test result was not available. None of the 12 patients satisfying McDonald criteria for MS showed NMO- IgG seropositivity. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that it is worthwhile to pursue NMO- IgG testing as a diagnostic tool for patients with clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features consistent with NMO and LETM in the Indian population.
|
Authors | Narayanan Unni, Kavita Barhate, Nisha Ahmad, Malti Ganeshan, Bhim Singhal |
Journal | Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology
(Ann Indian Acad Neurol)
Vol. 16
Issue 3
Pg. 376-9
(Jul 2013)
ISSN: 0972-2327 [Print] India |
PMID | 24101820
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|