Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: Diagnostic Issues in Korea

Min, Ju-Hong

J Mult Scler > Volume 2(1); 2011 > Article

Review Article

Journal of Multiple Sclerosis 2011;2(1):5-10.
Published online March 1, 2011.

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: Diagnostic Issues in Korea

Ju-Hong Min

Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

"Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a CNS demyelinating disorder, characterized by optic neuritis and acute myelitis. A specific autoantibody of NMO, NMO-IgG was recently detected, which resulted in the revision of the diagnostic criteria of NMO, proposed in 1999. The new diagnostic criteria emphasized the long cord lesion over 3 vertebral segments and the presence of NMO-IgG. In addition, with the positivity of NMO-IgG in longitudinal extensive myelitis, recurrent optic neuritis and autoimmune disorders, the spectrum of NMO-related disorders were broadened. The review for NMO spectrum disorders and NMO-IgG will provide a help to understand NMO, this rapidly disabling disease. Journal of Multiple Sclerosis 2(1):5-10, 2011"

Key Words: Neuromyelitis optica, Myelitis, Optic neuritis