Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder with Recurrent Intracranial Hemorrhage

Intern Med. 2017;56(13):1729-1732. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.56.7889. Epub 2017 Jul 1.

Abstract

The patient was a woman without hypertension who had previously experienced intracranial hemorrhage twice at 48 and 56 years of age. At 59 years of age, she was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) based on the presence of a brain stem lesion and the detection of anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibodies. After 5 months of continuous treatment with prednisolone (15 mg/day), she presented with optic neuritis and intracranial bleeding. A recurrent attack of NMOSD and intracranial hemorrhage were concurrently diagnosed. We herein report a case of NMOSD with recurrent intracranial hemorrhage, which indicates an association between NMOSD and cerebellar vascular dysfunction.

Keywords: brain blood barrier (BBB); neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD); recurrent intracranial hemorrhage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aquaporin 4 / immunology
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / complications*
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / drug therapy
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Aquaporin 4
  • Autoantibodies
  • Prednisolone