Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
05:55
Quantification of Autoreactive Antibodies in Mice upon Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: December 1, 2023
Acute partial transverse myelitis: risk factors for conversion to multiple sclerosis.
1Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland [corrected] sellner@lrz.tum.de
European Journal of Neurology
|March 4, 2008
Summary
Predicting multiple sclerosis (MS) conversion from acute partial transverse myelitis (APTM) is crucial. Family history, high disability scores, brain MRI lesions, and CSF abnormalities indicate increased MS risk in APTM patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Acute partial transverse myelitis (APTM) can be an initial symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) or a standalone condition.
- Identifying predictors for relapse or MS conversion is vital for patient management and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging factors that predict relapse or conversion to MS in patients experiencing their first APTM episode.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 73 patients with first-ever APTM was conducted.
- Data collected included demographics, clinical status, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and evoked potentials.
- Follow-up ranged from 12 to 90 months to assess outcomes like monophasic event, MS conversion, or relapsing myelitis.
Main Results:
- APTM was monophasic in 47.9%, converted to MS in 43.8%, and recurred as relapsing myelitis in 8.2% of patients.
- Univariate analysis identified family history of MS, higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at onset, and brain MRI lesions as predictors of MS conversion.
- CSF-specific oligoclonal bands and abnormal IgG index were also associated with an increased risk of developing MS.
Conclusions:
- Family history of MS, high EDSS at presentation, brain MRI lesions, and specific CSF abnormalities (oligoclonal bands, abnormal IgG index) are significant indicators of increased risk for MS conversion following a first APTM episode.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:22Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...