Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in acute relapses of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

Mult Scler. 2008 Mar;14(2):248-51. doi: 10.1177/1352458507082617. Epub 2008 Jan 21.

Abstract

We studied cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in three women with acute attacks of recurrent longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (r-LETM), recurrent-optic neuritis (r-ON) and r-LETM-CNS. Neuromyelitis Optica -immunoglobulin (IgG) antibody was positive in all cases. Brain MRI (1.5 Tesla) was performed according to protocol from consortium MS centre. We described the cranial lesions in brain MRI of acute relapses. These lesions were different from MS, most had an asymptomatic course which disappeared with time, protocol from consortium of MS centre criteria for brain MRI and seropositivity of NMO-IgG are useful tools for differentiate acute lesions of NMO/MS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / immunology
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / pathology*
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Immunoglobulin G