Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disease with Transverse Myelitis Presentation

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) can present as a spinal cord syndrome in children. This chapter describes two cases of children presenting with acute transverse myelitis leading to a diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica based upon current diagnostic criteria. The contrasting cases demonstrate the application of the criteria in the setting of aquaporin-4-IgG seronegative and seropositive patients. The clinical scenarios indicate the importance of considering the diagnosis of NMOSD and its associated work-up at the time of an initial presentation of transverse myelitis.