Management of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder at the Escuela Hospital, Honduras

Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is an autoimmune-based nosological entity with inflammatory characteristics that affects the central nervous system: optic nerves, spinal cord and brainstem. Objective: To present a series of clinical cases to briefly review the management of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Methodology: A retrospective and descriptive analysis was performed on the patients who attended the outpatient clinic of the Teaching Hospital and who have been diagnosed and followed up for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder over the last 20 years. Results: Eight patients (100.0%) were female, ranging in age from 19 to 45 years, with a mean of 32 years. All patients (8) (100.0%) underwent anti-aquapurin 4 antibodies for diagnosis; four (50.0%) had unremarkable brain and orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is a disease that requires an accurate diagnosis based on clinical features, anti-aquapurin 4 antibodies, and imaging studies. Treatment may begin with steroids, although in cases where the disease is not controlled, rituximab may be used.