Case Report: Neuromyelitis Optica

Abstract

Background: Neuromyelitis Optica, also called Devic's disease, is a rare autoimmune demyelinating entity of the Central Nervous System that compromises the optic nerves and spinal cord, causing loss of visual acuity and motor impairment. Case description: the clinical case of a 28-year-old woman who presents signs of myelopathy and sudden amaurosis is presented, meeting criteria for neuromyelitis optica. Treatment was started by interrupting the pregnancy and then continuing with boluses of methylprednizone, which, as there was no improvement, began with biological therapy, giving positive results from the first dose. Rituximab belongs to the group of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, an important option in the absence of response to the first line of treatment. Objective: To determine the clinical and therapeutic profile of patients diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica. Conclusion: The patient presents Neuromyelitis optical, with visual and motor alterations, with an Expanded Disability State Scale (EDSS) of eighteen points, treated with intravenous methylprednisolone, does not present a favorable evolution. At full doses, there is evidence of a notable improvement in the clinical picture, with a final score on the EDSS scale of eight points.