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Updated: May 20, 2026

Dynamic Visual Tests to Identify and Quantify Visual Damage and Repair Following Demyelination in Optic Neuritis Patients
Published on: April 14, 2014
[Recurring neuromyelitis without optic neuritis: a case report]
R Garcia-Rodriguez1, J Fernandez-Dominguez, R Gomez-Illan
1Centro Medico de Asturias, Oviedo, Espana. rgarrod05@yahoo.es
Introduction:
Neuromyelitis optica, or Devic's disease, is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that selectively affects the optic nerves and the spinal cord, with a high rate of relapses. Anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies are a highly specific marker for this condition.
Case Report:
A 66-year-old female with longitudinally extensive dorsal transverse myelitis with complete remission following steroidal treatment and later acute relapse, with palsy in one limb. The differential diagnoses considered included a spinal tumour and arteriovenous malformation of the spinal cord. Being positive for AQP4 was the decisive factor in the final diagnosis.
Conclusions:
Early detection of anti-AQP4 antibodies together with appropriate immunotherapy can be the key to a better prognosis. An early diagnosis is essential to be able to start treatment at an early stage and thus prevent relapses and severe sequelae.
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