A young woman with persistent nausea, vomiting and hiccups

Neuromyelitis optica is an inflammatory syndrome of the central nervous system, associated with anti-aquaporin-4 IgG antibodies. It is associated with severe neurological symptoms and risk of permanent neurological disability. The diagnosis can be established on the basis of clinical core characteristics of neuromyelitis optica, together with serological testing for anti-aquaporin-4 IgG antibodies and magnetic resonance imaging of the central nervous system.

We describe the case of a young woman presenting with obstipation, persistent nausea, vomiting and hiccups. The initial diagnostic workup confirmed obstipation, but did not find any underlying gastrointestinal pathology that could explain her persistent symptoms. Her condition deteriorated, she was unable to eat or drink without inducing vomiting, and eventually she received parenteral nutrition. Further diagnostic workup included magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, which revealed a T2-hyperintense lesion in the medulla oblongata, more specifically in the area postrema. Neurological and neuroradiological assessment led to a tentative clinical diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with a well-described, but rare, presentation: the area postrema syndrome. The diagnosis was confirmed by serological testing for anti-aquaporin-4 IgG antibodies. She was successfully treated with methylprednisolone with complete remission of symptoms. Patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders frequently experience relapses of the disease if untreated, and she was therefore treated with rituximab to prevent future relapses.

This case is a reminder that common gastrointestinal symptoms may be caused by diseases of the central nervous system.