Acute eculizumab treatment in a pediatric patient with AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune disorder that occurs in children and adults.

We report a case of a 10-year-old female with AQP4+ NMOSD who presented with paraparesis from longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) from C2 to the conus medullaris. The patient showed gradual improvement in strength and sensation with solumedrol and plasma exchange therapy. Given her severe presentation, eculizumab therapy was also initiated acutely. She had near complete recovery, although she developed a myelitis relapse during transition to rituximab treatment.

This case demonstrates the role of eculizumab as a safe and effective treatment option in treating an acute attack of pediatric AQP4+ NMOSD. More data are needed to understand the risk of relapse if transitioning off of these highly effective medications.