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Comorbidities Are Associated With Unfavorable Outcome in Aquaporin-4 Antibody Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease: Exploratory Study From the CROCTINO Cohort.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4
09:29

Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4

Published on: August 21, 2017

Devic's neuromyelitis optica: a critical review.

Marco Aurélio Lana-Peixoto1

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Multiple Sclerosis Investigation Center, Medical School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. lanapma@uol.com.br

Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|April 9, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Devic's neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a distinct autoimmune disease targeting aquaporin-4 in the central nervous system. NMO is characterized by optic nerve and spinal cord inflammation, differentiating it from multiple sclerosis (MS).

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12:23

Dynamic Visual Tests to Identify and Quantify Visual Damage and Repair Following Demyelination in Optic Neuritis Patients

Published on: April 14, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Demyelinating Diseases
  • Autoimmune Disorders

Background:

  • Devic's neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease affecting optic nerves and spinal cord.
  • NMO has been historically debated as a variant of multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in Asian countries where it's known as opticospinal MS.
  • Recent research suggests NMO is a distinct entity, often with a relapsing course.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the distinct pathological and clinical features of Devic's neuromyelitis optica (NMO).
  • To differentiate NMO from multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating conditions.
  • To highlight the role of aquaporin-4 antibodies in NMO pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of pathological findings in NMO, including IgG and complement deposition, and inflammatory infiltrates.
  • Analysis of clinical characteristics, focusing on optic nerve and spinal cord involvement.
  • Discussion of diagnostic markers such as NMO-IgG antibody and MRI findings.

Main Results:

  • NMO exhibits unique pathological features like perivascular IgG/complement deposition and vascular hyalinization, distinguishing it from MS.
  • NMO-IgG antibody targeting aquaporin-4 demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for the disease.
  • MRI studies frequently show long spinal cord lesions (≥3 vertebral segments) and atypical brain lesions in NMO patients.

Conclusions:

  • Devic's neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a distinct autoimmune disease targeting aquaporin-4, characterized by specific neuropathology.
  • NMO differs significantly from multiple sclerosis (MS) in its pathology, clinical course, and diagnostic markers.
  • Effective management includes acute phase treatments like steroids and plasma exchange, with immunosuppressants for relapse prevention.