[Devic's neuro-optic myelitis and pregnancy].

INTRODUCTION: Devic's neuromyelitis optica associates optical neuritis that is either unilateral or bilateral and acute transversal myelopathy. This disease seldom occurs and is rarely associated with pregnancy. OBSERVATION: We report the case of a young 20-year-old woman who was 8 weeks pregnant. She was admitted to our ophthalmological department for a profound and bilateral drop in visual acuity. The ophthalmological examination showed bilateral optic disc swelling. Three days later, the patient presented a spastic paraplegia with sphincter disorders. Devic's neuromyelitis optica was suspected and then confirmed by examination of cerebrospinal fluid and cerebrospinal MRI. Corticoid treatment in bolus of prednisolone methyl relayed by prednisolone per bone was established. The neurological and visual defects were clearly improved and the case was stabilized at 1 year. DISCUSSION: Devic's neuromyelitis optica is related to nosologic problems with multiple sclerosis. Clinical, immunological, and pathological elements provide arguments in favor of a separate entity.