Abstract Details

Title Neuromyelitis optica / Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: pattern of clinical presentation, radiological characteristics, and AQP4 serological status among Sudanese patients

Topic Autoimmune Neurology

Presentation(s) P15 - Poster Session 15 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 9-005

Background

NMOSD is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the CNS that was previously thought to be a subtype of MS. To our knowledge, there are very few studies in Sudan. Advances in the understanding of NMO have clarified several points of its clinical manifestations and imaging patterns. The discovery of the AQP4 antibody is highly specific for this disorder. Furthermore, the new clinical and radiologic features in seropositive patients have expanded the spectrum of NMO, and the term NMOSD has been adopted.

Objective This study was conducted to determine the pattern of clinical presentation, radiological characteristics and serological biomarker of NMOSD among adult Sudanese patients.

Design/Methods

This is descriptive study, which included 25 adult subjects > 16 years. Data gathered using a close-ended questionnaire, patients’ records and investigations. Serum samples were collected and examined for AQP4-IgG by IIF. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and a (p) value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results Twenty-five patients with NMO were included in this study. 68% were females, and 32% were males. 32% of patients were > 40 years, and the mean age was 35.0 ± 11.55 years. Visual symptoms were reported first in 36%, motor symptoms in 56% and nausea and vomiting in 8%. MRI of the spine was normal in 36% but was abnormal in 64%, showing longitudinal hyper-intense lesion involving > 3 consecutive vertebrae. Out of the 25 patients, 52% were AQP4-IgG positive, and 48% were negative.

Conclusions

Female predominance is commonly seen and appears congruent with NMO-IgG seropositive status, which associates with a relapsing phenotype. Motor impairment is the primary presenting symptom rather than visual symptoms. Characteristic MRI spine in the form of longitudinal lesions in 3/> contiguous vertebral segments was demonstrated. There is a significant correlation between gender and AQP4-IgG status, and course of the disease and serum APQ4.

Authors/Disclosures
Etedal A. Ibrahim, MD, MBBS, FAAN (The National Centre for Neurological Science) PRESENTER	Dr. Ibrahim has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file