Neuromyelitis Optica and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: The Evaluation Of 70 Patients Followed By Istanbul Bilim University, Department of Neurology (P4.010)

Background and objectives: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and its spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are relatively rare disorders when compared to multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to evaluate clinical characteristics and disease course of the NMOSD patients followed at our department. Patients and methods: All the patients with the diagnosis of NMO/NMOSD followed since the establishment of our MS clinic in April 2011, were evaluated. Results: There were 70 patients (54 female, 16 male) with NMO/NMOSD followed at our MS unit; 22 had NMO, 32 had recurrent optic neuritis (RON); and 16 had longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). The mean age of the patients was 41±14 (12-77) years. The disease duration was 4.5±4.7 years. The disease course was relapsing in 54 patients (77%). The first attack was bilateral ON (BON) and TM in 3 patients, ON and TM in 1 patient, ON in 44 patients (bilateral in 4) and TM in 22 patients. The mean of the duration between the first two relapses was 13.4±18.4 months. The mean EDSS score was 2.7±1.7 at the last visit. NMO IgG was positive in 12 patients with NMO (55%), 4 patients with LETM (25%), and 7 patients with RON (22%). Oligoclonal band was positive in 13 out of 36 patients (4 each with NMO and ON, two with ON and TM and three with LETM; 34%). In NMO/NMOSD patients, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no abnormality in 51; nonspecific lesions in 28; and 1 patient had hypothalamic lesion. In spinal MRIs, 35 patients had LETM; four had suspected hyperintense T2 lesion in C5. Conclusion: This is one of the largest single center series collected over 2 years. NMO/NMOSD seems to be over-represented in our center since it is one of the few where NMO IgG testing is available. In NMO/NMOSD, early diagnosis and treatment, as well as differentiation from MS, is important to prevent the patient from the permanent disability. Disclosure: Dr. Altunrende has nothing to disclose. Dr. Altinkaya has nothing to disclose. Dr. Topcular has nothing to disclose. Dr. Meryem has nothing to disclose. Dr. Server has nothing to disclose. Dr. Firtina has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yenice has nothing to disclose. Dr. Akman-Demir has nothing to disclose.