Neuromyelitis optica: The clinical role of the anti–aquaporin 4 autoantibody

Authors

  • Ka-Wai Kam Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
  • Nelson KF Yip Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
  • Alexander YL Lau Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
  • Vincent CT Mok Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
  • Alvin L Young Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.

Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica, also known as Devic’s disease, involves inflammation of the optic nerve and the spinal cord. It runs a variable clinical course and may result in blindness. Unlike multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica is a separate clinical entity with its own diagnostic criteria that include the presence or absence of anti–aquaporin 4 autoantibody. The effects of the disease are thought to be mediated by autoantibodies that are targeted against the water channel protein, aquaporin 4. In this case report, we highlight the clinical features and the role of this antibody in the diagnosis of patients with neuromyelitis optica.

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Published

2016-04-20

How to Cite

1.
Kam K-W, Yip NK, Lau AY, Mok VC, Young AL. Neuromyelitis optica: The clinical role of the anti–aquaporin 4 autoantibody. Hong Kong J Ophthalmol [Internet]. 2016Apr.20 [cited 2024Dec.5];20(1):34-7. Available from: https://hkjo.hk/index.php/hkjo/article/view/196

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 1 (2016)

Section

Case Report

License

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