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[Devic disease associated with isolated spinal cord atrophy].

N Landragin¹, L Jeanjean, S Bouly

¹Service de Neurologie, CHU, Nîmes.

Revue Neurologique

|March 22, 2008

Summary

Devic disease, also known as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), can present with spinal cord atrophy years after initial symptoms. This case highlights the long-term neurological changes associated with NMOSD.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Immunology
Neuroimmunology

Background:

Devic disease, now recognized as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), is an autoimmune condition primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord.
The discovery of aquaporin-4 antibodies (Anti-NMO) has expanded the understanding of NMOSD's clinical and imaging manifestations.
NMOSD is characterized by episodes of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis.

Observation:

This report details a patient diagnosed with NMOSD who developed significant spinal cord atrophy.
The spinal cord atrophy was observed more than 8 years after the initial onset of symptoms.
The patient also experienced bilateral optic neuritis, a hallmark symptom of NMOSD.

Findings:

The case demonstrates that severe spinal cord atrophy can be a long-term consequence of NMOSD.
This finding suggests a potential for progressive neurological damage even after the acute phases of the disease.
The extended timeline of symptom manifestation broadens the recognized phenotype of NMOSD.

Implications:

Understanding the long-term sequelae of NMOSD is crucial for patient management and prognosis.
This case underscores the importance of continued monitoring and potentially long-term treatment strategies for NMOSD patients.
Further research into the mechanisms driving chronic spinal cord changes in NMOSD is warranted.