Progressive myelopathy in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease: A new mimicker of progressive multiple sclerosis?

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2021 Jul:52:102964. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.102964. Epub 2021 Apr 20.

Abstract

Background MOG-IgG-associated disease (MOGAD) in adults typically presents as a monophasic or relapsing optic, spinal, or opticospinal neuroinflammatory syndrome. Current recommendations discourage testing for MOG-IgG in patients with clinical or paraclinical findings more typical of MS, or in patients with a progressive clinical course. However, this approach may impede identification of the full phenotypic spectrum of this recently described disorder. Methods We retrospectively reviewed charts of 39 MOG-IgG-seropositive patients from two Ohio-based neuroimmunology centers to identify unusual disease patterns. Those with a progressive course were included in this case series. Results We describe five cases of progressive myelopathy associated with MOG-IgG. Most patients had features suggestive of MS, including typical MRI and cerebrospinal fluid findings. However, MOG-IgG positive patients with progressive myelopathy showed poor response to MS disease modifying therapy and better response to intravenous immunoglobulins similar to previous reports on MOGAD patients. Conclusion MOG-IgG-seropositive patients may present with progressive myelopathy and may have a clinical and radiologic phenotype suggestive of primary progressive or secondary progressive MS, or progressive solitary sclerosis. MOG-IgG testing should be considered in patients with progressive myelopathy, especially if clinically worsening on MS therapy.

Keywords: MOG; MOGAD; Multiple sclerosis; Myelopathy; Progressive; Transverse myelitis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aquaporin 4
  • Autoantibodies
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis*
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
  • Neuromyelitis Optica*
  • Ohio
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spinal Cord Diseases*

Substances

  • Aquaporin 4
  • Autoantibodies
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein