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Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4
Published on: August 21, 2017
Longitudinal Spinal Cord Atrophy in Patients With Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder and Its Association With
Neurology
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Spinal cord atrophy progresses annually in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and is influenced by disease activity. Rituximab treatment may slow atrophy, and serum GFAP and NfL levels show potential as biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is characterized by longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), leading to spinal cord atrophy.
- Quantifying spinal cord atrophy rates and identifying influencing factors are crucial for understanding NMOSD progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine annual spinal cord atrophy rates in NMOSD patients.
- To investigate factors influencing spinal cord atrophy, including disease activity, treatment, and biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Spinal cord cross-sectional area (CSA), anteroposterior (AP), and right-left (RL) diameters were measured using the Spinal Cord Toolbox.
- Annualized atrophy rates were estimated using linear mixed-effects models.
- Associations with clinical data, rituximab treatment, and serum GFAP/NfL levels were analyzed.
Main Results:
- NMOSD patients showed significant annual atrophy rates for CSA (-0.27/y), AP (-0.23/y), and RL (-0.14/y).
- Faster atrophy correlated with lesion length, relapse frequency, and older age.
- Rituximab treatment was linked to slower RL atrophy; elevated GFAP and NfL levels correlated with accelerated atrophy.
Conclusions:
- Spinal cord atrophy is a progressive feature of NMOSD, influenced by disease activity and duration.
- Rituximab may attenuate spinal cord atrophy progression.
- Serum GFAP and NfL show promise as biomarkers for monitoring NMOSD progression.
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