Ann Clin Neurophysiol.  2024;26(2):54-56. 10.14253/acn.24001.

Early relapse after rituximab treatment in a patient with seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a case report

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Neurology, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea
  • 2Department of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
  • 3Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 on B cells and is used to reduce the relapse risk in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Some patients experience relapse or exacerbation shortly after RTX treatment. We report a 54-year-old female with seronegative NMOSD who relapsed soon after RTX treatment.

Keyword

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder; Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder; Rituximab; Recurrence; Rituximab; Recurrence

Figure

  • Fig. 1. Serial brain MRI revealed the disease exacerbation shortly following RTX treatment. FLAIR MRI revealed hyperintense lesions at the optic chiasm (red arrow) and right temporal horn of the lateral ventricle (blue dot circle) at 1 month prior to the initial RTX infusion (A) and at 2 weeks posttreatment (B). (C, D) Post-enhancement images corresponding to (A) and (B), respectively, revealing mild gadolinium enhancement with no significant changes. MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; RTX, rituximab; FLAIR, fluid attenuated inversion recovery.


Reference

1. Jarius S, Paul F, Weinshenker BG, Levy M, Kim HJ, Wildemann B. Neuromyelitis optica. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020; 6:85.
Article
2. Huang W, Wang L, Zhang B, Zhou L, Zhang T, Quan C. Effectiveness and tolerability of immunosuppressants and monoclonal antibodies in preventive treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2019; 35:246–252.
Article
3. Shi B, Zhao M, Qiao L, Huang F, Zhou S, Wei Y, et al. Relapses shortly after rituximab treatment in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2021; 54:103143.
Article
4. Jacob A, Weinshenker BG, Violich I, McLinskey N, Krupp L, Fox RJ, et al. Treatment of neuromyelitis optica with rituximab: retrospective analysis of 25 patients. Arch Neurol. 2008; 65:1443–1448.
5. Lindsey JW, Meulmester KM, Brod SA, Nelson F, Wolinsky JS. Variable results after rituximab in neuromyelitis optica. J Neurol Sci. 2012; 317:103–105.
Article
6. Perumal JS, Kister I, Howard J, Herbert J. Disease exacerbation after rituximab induction in neuromyelitis optica. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2015; 2:e61.
Article
7. Wingerchuk DM, Banwell B, Bennett JL, Cabre P, Carroll W, Chitnis T, et al. International consensus diagnostic criteria for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Neurology. 2015; 85:177–189.
Article
8. Maurer MA, Tuller F, Gredler V, Berger T, Lutterotti A, Lünemann JD, et al. Rituximab induces clonal expansion of IgG memory B-cells in patients with inflammatory central nervous system demyelination. J Neuroimmunol. 2016; 290:49–53.
Article
9. Gong Q, Ou Q, Ye S, Lee WP, Cornelius J, Diehl L, et al. Importance of cellular microenvironment and circulatory dynamics in B cell immunotherapy. J Immunol. 2005; 174:817–826.
Article
Full Text Links
  • ACN
Actions
Cited
CITED
export Copy
Close
Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Similar articles
Copyright © 2024 by Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors. All rights reserved.     E-mail: koreamed@kamje.or.kr