Early relapse after RTX initiation in a patient with NMO/MS overlap syndrome: How long to conclude to a failure treatment?

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2018 Feb:20:220-222. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.02.004. Epub 2018 Feb 6.

Abstract

Background: We report a dramatic clinical and radiological worsening within two months after rituximab initiation in a patient with NeuroMyelitis Optica/Multiple Sclerosis (NMO/MS) overlap syndrome.

Methods: Case study.

Results: A 45-year-old Caucasian woman with NMO/MS overlap syndrome experienced a severe myelitis nine weeks after first rituximab infusion, with extensive new gadolinium-enhanced spinal cord lesions.

Conclusion: This case report illustrates the limits of MS and NMO-Spectrum Disorder classification and challenges the criteria of therapeutic failure within the 6 months after rituximab initiation.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; Rituximab; Therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / classification
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / classification
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / drug therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use*
  • Syndrome
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Failure

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab