[Devic's optic neuromyelitis: presentation as an inflammatory spinal tumour]

Devic s optic neuromyelitis is a clinical syndrome described over 100 years ago and characterized by episodes of severe transverse myelitis, affecting several spinal segments, and simultaneously or otherwise, neuritis of the optic nerve. Both types of disorder may be acute or subacute. In spite of many reviews in recent years, it is still not clear whether it is a distinct clinical entity or whether it is really a form of Multiple Sclerosis. In recent years several authors have drawn up a list of diagnostic criteria to distinguish between Devic s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Several aetiologies have been implicated in causing this syndrome, from infectious diseases to demyelinating disorders. However, there is a group of patients who have no associated pathology, in whom it is correct to speak of Devic s Disease.

We studied a patient with a clinical condition compatible with Devic s disease, with an inflammatory tumour in the cervical region, a radiological finding not previously reported.

When making the diagnosis in patients with inflammatory spinal tumors and no symptoms of demyelination in the rest of the central nervous system, Devic s disease should be borne in mind.