Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease in the central nervous system. The main characteristics of NMOSD are recurrent episodes of optic neuritis or acute myelitis.
The area postrema syndrome, characterized by episodes of intractable hiccups and problems with nausea and vomiting, frequently precedes the onset of optical neuritis or myelitis in patients with antibodies against AQP4. Previously classified as a variant of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), NMOSD is now recognized as a distinct entity.
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease in the central nervous system. The main characteristics of NMOSD are recurrent episodes of optic neuritis or acute myelitis.
The area postrema syndrome, characterized by episodes of intractable hiccups and problems with nausea and vomiting, frequently precedes the onset of optical neuritis or myelitis in patients with antibodies against AQP4. Previously classified as a variant of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), NMOSD is now recognized as a distinct entity.
Most patients suffering from NMO test positive for AQP4 antibodies, but a subset instead has MOG antibodies and is diagnosed with Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease (MOGAD). While NMOSD and MOGAD share clinical characteristics, their pathogenesis and disease courses often differ significantly. Accurate differential diagnosis from MS is crucial since both NMOSD and MOGAD require different treatment approaches.
For patients presenting with any of these symptoms, it is recommended that serologic workups include both MOG and AQP4 antibody testing using cell-based assays (CBA). In rare cases, both AQP4 and MOG antibodies can be detected, but if these cases represent a specific phenotype, it is not known.
Wieslab Diagnostic Services has been providing NMO antibody testing and supporting clinicians since 2007.
Accurate differential diagnosis from MS is crucial since both NMOSD and MOGAD require different treatment approaches.
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