Malgorzata Popiel1, Marek Psujek2, Halina Bartosik-Psujek3. 1. Neurology Clinic with Brain Stroke Sub-Unit, Clinical Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszow, Lwowska 60, Rzeszów 35-301, Poland. Electronic address: gosiaur210474@interia.pl. 2. Medical Faculty, University of Rzeszow, Poland. 3. Neurology Clinic with Brain Stroke Sub-Unit, Clinical Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszow, Lwowska 60, Rzeszów 35-301, Poland; Medical Faculty, University of Rzeszow, Poland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Certain disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis are known to be ineffective in treating neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and can even induce subsequent relapses. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report on a patient with NMOSD who was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis and experienced severe exacerbations 3 months following initiation of treatment with dimethyl fumarate. The patient developed severe relapse in the form of myelitis extending from the medulla down to the T1 vertebral level. Cord swelling seen as contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging was observed. This swelling resulted in spastic hemiplegia with severe painful dysesthesia. After a diagnosis of NMOSD was confirmed, dimethyl fumarate was discontinued and treatment with azathioprine was initiated. Subsequently, although her neurological status stabilized, residual deficits persisted. CONCLUSION: The case described here suggests that dimethyl fumarate is unsuitable for NMOSD treatment as it may cause disease exacerbations.
BACKGROUND: Certain disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis are known to be ineffective in treating neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and can even induce subsequent relapses. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report on a patient with NMOSD who was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis and experienced severe exacerbations 3 months following initiation of treatment with dimethyl fumarate. The patient developed severe relapse in the form of myelitis extending from the medulla down to the T1 vertebral level. Cord swelling seen as contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging was observed. This swelling resulted in spastic hemiplegia with severe painful dysesthesia. After a diagnosis of NMOSD was confirmed, dimethyl fumarate was discontinued and treatment with azathioprine was initiated. Subsequently, although her neurological status stabilized, residual deficits persisted. CONCLUSION: The case described here suggests that dimethyl fumarate is unsuitable for NMOSD treatment as it may cause disease exacerbations.
Authors: Katarzyna Zyla; Chelsea M Larabee; Constantin Georgescu; Chelsea Berkley; Tania Reyna; Scott M Plafker Journal: Mol Vis Date: 2019-08-22 Impact factor: 2.367