Discovery of aquaporin water channel proteins has provided insight into the molecular mechanism of membrane water permeability. In mammalian brain, Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the main water channel and is distributed with highest density in the perivascular and subpial astrocyte end-feet. AQP4 is a critical component of an integrated water and potassium homeostasis.
OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to describe the spectrum of clinical phenotypes, laboratory and imaging features, and treatment in pediatric patients with neuromyelitis optica.PATIENTS AND METHODS
Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics, course, and prognosis of optic neuritis in recurrent neuromyelitis optica.
When Mrs G presented to the emergency room, clinical examination with transverse spinal cord syndrome, magnetic resonance imaging, and her complete clinical remission after plasmapheresis as well as lack of response to treatment pointed to longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, representing an inaugural or limited form of neuromyelitis optica. The diagnosis was confirmed by detection of anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibodies.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze treatment response in Brazilian patients with neuromyelitis optica. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Neuroimmunology Clinic of the Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
OBJECTIVES: Longitudinal myelitis in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a rarely reported occurrence. Here, we present a patient with longitudinal myelitis who was found to have both primary SS and a positive antibody to aquaporin-4 (NMO-IgG). We review the recent literature concerning the overlap between primary SS-associated myelitis and the presence of NMO-IgG, suggestive of a neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).