Author's response to the commentary: Neuromyelitis optica complicating COVID vaccinations and additional case reports

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022 Oct:66:104055. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104055. Epub 2022 Jul 12.

Abstract

Our article Newly diagnosed neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders following vaccination: Case report and systematic review had instigated a critique that there were more cases of post-COVID-19-vaccination NMOSD. Indeed, after the systematic review was performed in July 2021, many reports have been published, and we have seen two new patients at our center as well. However, Finsterer's question on the subclinical activity of NMOSD prior to vaccination, although an interesting notion, was debatable. NMOSD is a relapsing disease with severe attacks. Investigations in our patients did not reveal robust evidence of prior subclinical attacks so far.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Neuromyelitis Optica* / complications
  • Recurrence
  • Vaccination / adverse effects