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Published on: September 16, 2017
The effect of smoking on MRI lesion resolution in NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD
David Berhanu1,2, Miguel Leal Rato1,2, Silvia Messina1,3
1Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Background:
The effect of smoking on the resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with aquaporin-4 positive antibody (NMOSD-AQP4) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) has not been studied before.
Objective:
We aimed to determine the effect of smoking on lesion resolution in MRI and assess its correlation with clinical recovery after a relapse.
Methods:
We conducted a cohort study including NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD patients with acute and follow-up MRI scans. We collected demographic, clinical, imaging and smoking data. Logistic regression models were fitted to predict the effect of smoking on lesion resolution and to assess whether clinical recovery was associated with MRI lesion resolution.
Results:
A total of 105 patients were included (57 with NMOSD-AQP4 and 48 with MOGAD). Current and past smoking was associated with a higher risk of persistent lesions in NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD (risk ratio (RR) = 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.5-4.7, p < 0.001). Additionally, the presence of lesion resolution was associated with better clinical recovery (RR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.7-2.2, p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Smoking is associated with worse MRI lesion resolution in patients with NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD, and lesion resolution correlates with clinical recovery. Our findings suggest a detrimental effect of smoking in inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
Insights
Smoking worsens MRI lesion resolution in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with aquaporin-4 positive antibody (NMOSD-AQP4) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Better lesion resolution correlates with improved clinical recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Inflammatory Diseases
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- The impact of smoking on MRI lesion resolution in NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD remains uninvestigated.
- Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) and MOGAD are distinct autoimmune conditions affecting the CNS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of smoking on MRI lesion resolution in NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD patients.
- To assess the correlation between MRI lesion resolution and clinical recovery post-relapse.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study design was employed, including patients with NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD.
- Data collected included demographics, clinical information, MRI scans (acute and follow-up), and smoking status.
- Logistic regression models analyzed the association between smoking and lesion resolution, and lesion resolution with clinical recovery.
Main Results:
- 105 patients were analyzed (57 NMOSD-AQP4, 48 MOGAD).
- Current and past smoking significantly increased the risk of persistent MRI lesions in both NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD (RR = 3.4).
- MRI lesion resolution was associated with better clinical recovery (RR = 1.9).
Conclusions:
- Smoking is linked to poorer MRI lesion resolution in NMOSD-AQP4 and MOGAD.
- MRI lesion resolution is a predictor of clinical recovery.
- Findings indicate a detrimental role of smoking in inflammatory CNS diseases.

