A case of paraneoplastic neuromyelitis optica associated with small cell lung carcinoma

Neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorders are demyelinating conditions that are typically idiopathic, though various case reports have demonstrated an association with malignancy. We present the case of a 64year old woman with NMOSD in the setting of small cell lung cancer. She had longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis and left eye optic neuritis; aquaporin-4 antibodies were elevated. Biopsy of mediastinal adenopathy was positive for SCLC. Malignancy should be considered in any patient with an atypical presentation of NMOSD, or who does not respond to traditional therapies.