MRI Features of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Certain brain MRI findings differentiate NMOSD from multiple sclerosis.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) often presents with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), severe and poorly recovering optic neuritis, or intractable hiccups/nausea/vomiting. Early treatment of exacerbations is important for full recovery, and it may take time to obtain antibody testing results (NEJM JW Neurol Jan 2019 and Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm 2018; 5:e504). Investigators have now evaluated MRI criteria for aiding in the diagnosis of NMOSD in 116 patients with NMOSD (84% positive for aquaporin-4 [AQP4] antibodies) and 65 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The cohort was split 2:1 into a training sample and a validation sample.

The investigators evaluated brain MRI scans according to 18 qualitativ…

Reviewing Author

Robert T. Naismith, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAlexion Pharmaceuticals; Amgen; Astoria; Biogen; Bristol Myers Squibb; Celltrion; Genentech; Hoffmann-La Roche; Genzyme; EMD Serono; Immpact-Bio; Immunic Therapeutics; Kyverna; Lundbeck; Novartis; Sandoz; TG Therapeutics

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; U.S. Department of Defense

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesConsortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (Treasurer)

Robert T. Naismith, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; U.S. Department of Defense

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesConsortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (Treasurer)

MRI Features of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

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Reviewing Author