Neuropediatrics 2004; 35(3): 198-201
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-817920
Short Communication

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Neuromyelitis Optica in a Child with Atypical Onset and Severe Outcome

N. Milani1 , F. Zibordi1 , A. Erbetta2 , B. Pollo3 , L. Angelini1
  • 1Child Neurology Department, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico “C. Besta”, Milan, Italy
  • 2Department of Neuroradiology, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico “C. Besta”, Milan, Italy
  • 3Department of Neuropathology, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico “C. Besta”, Milan, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Received: April 15, 2003

Accepted after Revision: January 23, 2004

Publication Date:
12 July 2004 (online)

Abstract

We report on a seven-year-old boy with inflammatory relapsing-remitting CNS disease, involving the optic nerves and spinal cord, with increasingly severe sequelae after each relapse. Clinical course, neuroimaging and laboratory findings were consistent with neuromyelitis optica. Biopsy of leptomeninges and underlying nervous tissue showed increased vascularization and thickened hyalinized vessel walls, reported as suggestive for neuromyelitis optica. Clinical features at onset were atypical, rendering the case highly unusual and the diagnosis tentative.

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Nicoletta Milani

Child Neurology Department, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico “C. Besta”

Via Celoria 11

20133 Milan

Italy

Email: nmilani@istituto-besta.it

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