View source for 15B. Neuromyelitis optica (Devic-disease)

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), more properly called neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system characterised mainly by optic neuritis and acute longitudinally extensive (> 3 vertebral segments) transverse myelitis. It’s associated with anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies (anti-AQP4 antibodies).

It mostly occurs in 40 – 60 year olds, and mostly in women. The clinical features may be similar to MS so it’s important to distinguish them. However, the prognosis of NMO is much worse, as the mortality rate is high and many become severely disabled.