Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with non opticospinal manifestations as initial symptoms: a long-term observational study

Abstract Background Early stage neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) with non-opticospinal manifestations as initial symptoms are easily misdiagnosed; however, data on the full symptom profile limited. Moreover, clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of these patients remain unknown. We sought to analyze characteristics, imaging features, NMOSD symptoms. Methods retrospectively included relevant from our center. Clinical, demographic, magnetic resonance imaging, treatment, outcome were compared according vs. opticospinal Results identified 43 (9.13 %) among 471 NMOSD. Of these, 88.37 % developed optic neuritis/myelitis during an average follow-up period 6.33 years. All brain/brainstem Most associated brain lesions reversible. These had a younger onset age ( P < 0.001), lower serum aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody titers = 0.030), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score at 0.001) 0.041) than In addition, EDSS scores reached 3.0 (indicating moderate disability) later in 0.028). Conclusions Patients have age, AQP4 titers, better outcomes.