Presentation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder after more than twenty years of systemic sclerosis.

Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica is an autoimmune disorder characterized by optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, and aquaporin-4 autoantibodies. The term "neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder" refers neuromyelitis optica features occurring in association with other systemic rheumatologic conditions. We present a case of a 51-year-old woman with long-standing systemic sclerosis who developed transverse myelitis in association with the presence aquaporin-4 autoantibodies. This is the first report case of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder associated with systemic sclerosis. Given that patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with aquaporin-4 autoantibodies have a high risk for clinical relapse, this report underscores the need for recognition of this disorder in patients with systemic sclerosis and neurological dysfunction.

• Authors: Zulma M Hernández, Bruce A Cohen, Joy Derwenskus
• Journal: Multiple sclerosis and related disorders (Mult Scler Relat Disord) Vol. 1 Issue 4 Pg. 202-3 (Oct 2012) ISSN: 2211-0348 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 25877268 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.