Ann Rehabil Med.  2016 Oct;40(5):943-948. 10.5535/arm.2016.40.5.943.

Neuromyelitis Optica Masquerading as Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: A Case Report

• Kim S
• Kwon B
• Park J
• Lee H
• Kim H
• Park D
• Nam K

• KMID: 2382928
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2016.40.5.943

Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is a demyelinating syndrome of the central nervous system. This case report describes a 31-year-old woman whose electromyography revealed radiculopathy in the left L5-S1 spinal segment without anatomical abnormalities on lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). She was diagnosed with NMOSD based on gadolinium contrast whole spine and brain MRI and anti-aquaporin-4 antibody findings. Her peripheral nervous system might have been damaged during the early course of NMOSD. Therefore, it is necessary to consider NMOSD for patients who have radiculopathy in electromyography if lumbosacral MRI shows no abnormalities.

Keyword

Neuromyelitis optica; Peripheral nervous system diseases; Radiculopathy

MeSH Terms

Adult
Brain
Central Nervous System
Electromyography
Female
Gadolinium
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neuromyelitis Optica*
Peripheral Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
Radiculopathy*
Spine
Gadolinium

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Gadolinium contrast spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging. (A–C) Sagittal T2 MRI showing extension of abnormal T2-weighted signal within the cervical 1–2, 4–6, thoracic 6–7, 9–10, and 11–12 level spinal cord and medulla. (D) Cross-section T2 MRI showing abnormal T2-weighted signal within the left eccentric thoracic 11–12 level spinal cord.

• 

  Fig. 2 Gadolinium contrast brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging. Axial T2 MRI showing multifocal nodular T2 high-signal lesions in both periventricular and subcortical white matter (arrow).

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