Optic Neuritis Leading to Vision Loss: A Case of MOG-Associated Disease with Successful Immunotherapy

Meng-Meng Wang1, Tao Huang1, Jia-Xun Li2

  • 1Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen and Neurology, Naval Medical Center, Shanghai, China.

Insights

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disease (MOGAD) is an inflammatory CNS condition. Early diagnosis and immunotherapy, like corticosteroids, effectively treated optic neuritis in a MOGAD patient, leading to symptom resolution and no recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disease (MOGAD) is a distinct inflammatory demyelinating CNS disorder.
  • Differentiating MOGAD from AQP4-IgG+NMOSD and MS is crucial for appropriate management.
  • MOGAD diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, imaging, and serological MOG-IgG testing.

Observation:

  • A 42-year-old woman presented with acute vision loss due to bilateral optic neuritis.
  • Clinical findings included optic disc edema, blurred margins, pallor, and visual field deficits.
  • Cranial MRI revealed bilateral optic nerve thickening and tortuosity with a characteristic "double track sign" on orbital MRI.

Findings:

  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum MOG-IgG titers confirmed the diagnosis of MOGAD.
  • Initial treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone led to rapid visual improvement and resolution of MRI lesions.
  • The patient experienced complete symptom resolution with gradual oral corticosteroid tapering and remained relapse-free at 1-year follow-up.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of timely MOGAD diagnosis in patients presenting with optic neuritis.
  • Effective immunotherapy, particularly corticosteroids, can lead to favorable outcomes and prevent long-term disability.
  • Prompt treatment of MOGAD is essential for preventing recurrence and achieving full recovery.

Related Concept Videos

Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...