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Title: Neuromyelitis optica IgG predicts relapse after longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Author: Weinshenker BG, Wingerchuk DM, Vukusic S, Linbo L, Pittock SJ, Lucchinetti CF, Lennon VA. Journal: Ann Neurol; 2006 Mar; 59(3):566-9. PubMed ID: 16453327. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether neuromyelitis optica (NMO) IgG seropositivity at the initial presentation of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) predicts relapse of myelitis or development of optic neuritis. METHODS: Prospective study of patients with initial LETM who were tested for the presence of NMO-IgG. RESULTS: Eleven of 29 patients (37.9%) were seropositive after a first attack of LETM spanning three or more vertebral segments on magnetic resonance imaging. Of 23 patients followed up for 1 year, none of 14 who were seronegative experienced a relapse or developed optic neuritis. Of 9 seropositive patients, 5 developed a second event: 4 of 9 (44%) developed recurrent transverse myelitis and 1 of 9 (11%) developed optic neuritis (p = 0.004). INTERPRETATION: LETM represents an inaugural or limited form of NMO in a high proportion of patients. The 40% of patients who are seropositive for NMO-IgG are at high risk for relapse.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]