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Antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a heterogeneous group of inflammatory central nervous system disorders. Symptoms typically include subacute, progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms with associated cognitive dysfunction, movement disorders, and autoimmune seizures. The diagnosis should be based on objective neurologic dysfunction in combination with auto antibody testing. Treatment with immunotherapies requires both short-term and long-term strategies depending on the specific syndrome and potential for relapse. In this paper, we review key features of AE, focusing on syndromes involving cell surface and synaptic proteins, and share a practical approach to the diagnosis and management, including common pitfalls associated with nonspecific antibody findings.

Background and Purpose: The AFFINITY trial (Assessment of Fluoxetine in Stroke Recovery) reported that oral fluoxetine 20 mg daily for 6 months after acute stroke did not improve functional outcome and increased the risk of falls, bone fractures, and seizures. After trial medication was ceased at 6 months, survivors were followed to 12 months post-randomization. This preplanned secondary analysis aimed to determine any sustained or delayed effects of fluoxetine at 12 months post-randomization. Methods: AFFINITY was a randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults (n=1280) with a clinical diagnosis of stroke in the previous 2 to 15 days and persisting neurological deficit who were recruited at 43 hospital stroke units in Australia (n=29), New Zealand (4), and Vietnam (10) between 2013 and 2019. Participants were randomized to oral fluoxetine 20 mg once daily (n=642) or matching placebo (n=638) for 6 months and followed until 12 months after randomization. The primary outcome was function, measured by the modified Rankin Scale, at 6 months. Secondary outcomes for these analyses included measures of the modified Rankin Scale, mood, cognition, overall health status, fatigue, health-related quality of life, and safety at 12 months. Results: Adherence to trial medication was for a mean 167 (SD 48) days and similar between randomized groups. At 12 months, the distribution of modified Rankin Scale categories was similar in the fluoxetine and placebo groups (adjusted common odds ratio, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.76–1.14]; P =0.46). Compared with placebo, patients allocated fluoxetine had fewer recurrent ischemic strokes (14 [2.18%] versus 29 [4.55%]; P =0.02), and no longer had significantly more falls (27 [4.21%] versus 15 [2.35%]; P =0.08), bone fractures (23 [3.58%] versus 11 [1.72%]; P =0.05), or seizures (11 [1.71%] versus 8 [1.25%]; P =0.64) at 12 months. Conclusions: Fluoxetine 20 mg daily for 6 months after acute stroke had no delayed or sustained effect on functional outcome, falls, bone fractures, or seizures at 12 months poststroke. The lower rate of recurrent ischemic stroke in the fluoxetine group is most likely a chance finding. Registration: URL: http://www.anzctr.org.au/ ; Unique identifier: ACTRN12611000774921.

Background: Optic neuritis (ON) is often the presenting symptom in inflammatory central nervous system demyelinating disorders. Objective: To compare the frequency and pattern of optic chiasm involvement in patients with aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG)-associated ON to patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG)-associated ON. Methods: Retrospective review of all patients evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Stanford University and Ramathibodi Hospital who were found to have: (1) ON, (2) either MOG-IgG or AQP4-IgG by cell-based assay, and (3) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the time of ON. MRI was reviewed for contrast enhancement of the optic chiasm and the pattern of involvement. Results: One hundred and fifty-four patients (74 AQP4-IgG and 80 MOG-IgG) were included. Among patients with AQP4-IgG-ON, 20% had chiasmal involvement, compared with 16% of patients with MOG-IgG-ON ( p = 0.66). In patients with chiasmal involvement, longitudinally extensive optic nerve enhancement (from orbit extending to chiasm) was identified in 54% of MOG-IgG-ON patients, compared with 7% of AQP4-IgG-ON patients ( p = 0.01). Conclusion: Chiasmal involvement of MOG-IgG-ON and AQP4-IgG-ON occur at more similar frequencies than previously reported. Furthermore, MOG-IgG-ON chiasmal involvement is more likely to be part of a longitudinally extensive optic nerve lesion.

BACKGROUND SMART (stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy) is a rare, delayed complication of brain radiation. In this study, we wanted to review the spectrum of symptoms, neuroradiological findings, autoimmune status, and outcomes in SMART syndrome patients. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with SMART syndrome at Mayo Clinic, Rochester between January 1995 and December 2018. RESULTS We identified 25 unique patients with SMART syndrome and a total of 31 episodes and 15 (60%) patients were male. The median age at onset was 46 (interquartile range [IQR] 43-55) years and the median latency of onset after the initial radiation was 21.6 (IQR 14.4-28.2) years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed gyral edema and enhancement in all cases with the temporal (25, 80.6%) and parietal (23, 74.2%) lobes being the most commonly affected. The median follow-up of the patients in our cohort was 10 (IQR 6-32) weeks. On univariate analysis, factors associated with an increased risk of recurrent SMART episodes were female gender (odds ratio [OR] 8.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.1-52.6, p = 0.019) and absence of electrographic seizure discharges during initial symptoms (OR 7.4, 95% CI 1.1-45.9, p = 0.032). We could not identify an autoimmune etiology. Longer duration of symptoms (>10 weeks) correlated with an older age (p = 0.049), temporal lobe involvement (p

Purpose To re-evaluate the population-based incidence of optic neuritis in the era of aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-IgG, which are biomarkers of optic neuritis that is distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS). Over the past 15 years, 2 new biomarkers have been discovered that allow for further characterization of the cause of atypical optic neuritis: AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG. Design Retrospective, population-based cohort. Setting: population-based. Participants: all residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with optic neuritis diagnosed between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2018. Methods The Rochester Epidemiology Project database was used to identify patients. Sera were tested for AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG by using a live-cell-based flow cytometry assay. Main outcome measurements were the incidence and cause of optic neuritis. Results Optic neuritis was diagnosed in 110 patients, providing an annual incidence of 3.9 per 100,000. The final diagnosis was MS in 57%, idiopathic in 29%, MOG-IgG-associated disorder in 5%, AQP4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in 3%, infectious type in 2%, sarcoidosis in 2%, seronegative NMOSD in 1%, and medication-related in 1%. All 3 patients positive for AQP4-IgG had more than 1 optic neuritis attack, 2 with residual no light perception vision in at least 1 eye. Among MOG-IgG-positive patients, 4 of 6 patients had recurrent optic neuritis, and all 6 had a final visual acuity of 20/30 or better. Conclusions At a population level, AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG account for 9% of optic neuritis and are associated with recurrent attacks, but MOG-IgG optic neuritis has a better visual outcome than AQP4-IgG optic neuritis.

Background: The presence of co-existent neuronal antibodies (neuronal-IgG) in patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG1) is not yet well understood. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the co-existence of a broad range of neuronal-IgG in MOG-IgG1+ patients. Methods: MOG-IgG1+ patients were tested for 17 neuronal-IgGs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum including NMDA-R-IgG, AMPA-R-IgG, GABAB-R-IgG, LGI1-IgG, CASPR2-IgG, GABAA-R-IgG, GAD65-IgG, mGLUR1-IgG, DPPX-IgG, CRMP5-IgG, amphiphysin-IgG, PCA1,2,Tr, and ANNA1,2,3. Clinical and radiological features of MOG-IgG1+ with NMDA-R-IgG in CSF were compared to a control cohort of MOG-IgG1+ patients without NMDA-R-IgG. Results: A total of 376 MOG-IgG1+ patients underwent testing for neuronal-IgGs. Serum testing for neuronal-IgGs (113 adults, 142 children) identified one child with NMDA-R-IgG (0.7%), one child with CASPR2-IgG (0.7%), one adult with LGI1-IgG (0.9%) and one adult with GABAA-R-IgG (0.9%). CSF testing for neuronal-IgGs (97 adults, 169 children) identified seven children (4%) and seven adults (7%) with NMDA-R-IgG, and one adult with GABAA-R-IgG (1%). The MOG-IgG1+/NMDA-R-IgG+ patients had a median age of 17 (range: 2–39) years. Features associated with MOG-IgG1+/NMDA-R-IgG+ included encephalopathy ( p = 0.001), seizures ( p = 0.045), and leptomeningeal enhancement ( p = 0.045). Conclusion: NMDA-R-IgG was the most frequently detected neuronal-IgG to co-exist with MOG-IgG1. MOG-IgG1+/NMDA-R-IgG+ patients most often presented with encephalopathy and seizures. Testing for MOG-IgG1 and NMDA-R-IgG may be warranted in patients with encephalopathy and inflammatory demyelinating syndromes.

Background: Trials of fluoxetine for recovery after stroke report conflicting results. The Assessment oF FluoxetINe In sTroke recoverY (AFFINITY) trial aimed to show if daily oral fluoxetine for 6 months after stroke improves functional outcome in an ethnically diverse population.Methods: AFFINITY was a randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial done in 43 hospital stroke units in Australia (n=29), New Zealand (four), and Vietnam (ten). Eligible patients were adults (aged ≥18 years) with a clinical diagnosis of acute stroke in the previous 2–15 days, brain imaging consistent with ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, and a persisting neurological deficit that produced a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 1 or more. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 via a web-based system using a minimisation algorithm to once daily, oral fluoxetine 20 mg capsules or matching placebo for 6 months. Patients, carers, investigators, and outcome assessors were masked to the treatment allocation. The primary outcome was functional status, measured by the mRS, at 6 months. The primary analysis was an ordinal logistic regression of the mRS at 6 months, adjusted for minimisation variables. Primary and safety analyses were done according to the patient's treatment allocation. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12611000774921.Findings: Between Jan 11, 2013, and June 30, 2019, 1280 patients were recruited in Australia (n=532), New Zealand (n=42), and Vietnam (n=706), of whom 642 were randomly assigned to fluoxetine and 638 were randomly assigned to placebo. Mean duration of trial treatment was 167 days (SD 48·1). At 6 months, mRS data were available in 624 (97%) patients in the fluoxetine group and 632 (99%) in the placebo group. The distribution of mRS categories was similar in the fluoxetine and placebo groups (adjusted common odds ratio 0·94, 95% CI 0·76–1·15; p=0·53). Compared with patients in the placebo group, patients in the fluoxetine group had more falls (20 [3%] vs seven [1%]; p=0·018), bone fractures (19 [3%] vs six [1%]; p=0·014), and epileptic seizures (ten [2%] vs two [Interpretation: Oral fluoxetine 20 mg daily for 6 months after acute stroke did not improve functional outcome and increased the risk of falls, bone fractures, and epileptic seizures. These results do not support the use of fluoxetine to improve functional outcome after stroke.Funding: National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.

Background: Myelitis accompanied by a negative spinal cord MRI may lead to diagnostic uncertainty. Objective and Methods: We retrospectively investigated the frequency of negative spinal cord MRI (performed Results: The initial spinal cord MRI was negative in 7/73 (10%) patients, despite severe acute disability (median EDSS, 7 (range, 4.5–8)); myelitis symptoms/signs were frequent (paraparesis, neurogenic bladder, sensory level, Lhermitte’s phenomenon). Myelitis lesions became overt at follow-up MRI in three patients. Conclusions: A negative spinal cord MRI should not dissuade from MOG-IgG testing in patients with acute/subacute myelitis.

A 43-year-old woman sought care for bilateral lower limb numbness and paresthesias accompanied by a tight, bandlike sensation around her torso at the mid chest level. She had an episode 4 months earlier of bilateral arm paresthesias. The right arm paresthesias lasted several hours, but the left arm paresthesias persisted for 1 week. Urinary frequency had recently developed, but no incontinence. She had no associated limb weakness, facial numbness or weakness, or vision loss. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed multiple, short-segment, T2-hyperintense lesions. C1 and C4-5 lesions demonstrated contrast enhancement. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed multiple ovoid areas of T2 hyperintensity involving the periventricular regions. Postcontrast images indicated 2 contrast-enhancing lesions adjacent to the posterior aspect of the right lateral ventricle. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine showed several T2-hyperintense lesions without contrast enhancement. Vitamin B12 level was low. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed 1 nucleated cell/µL, protein concentration of 85 mg/dL, and 17 cerebrospinal fluid -exclusive oligoclonal bands. Testing for JC polyoma virus was negative in the cerebrospinal fluid by polymerase chain reaction, but serologic results were positive. The patient was diagnosed with central nervous system demyelination in association with Crohn disease and tumor necrosis factor-α‎ inhibitor use. The patient discontinued adalimumab and started vedolizumab (α‎4β‎7 integrin inhibitor) for her Crohn disease. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and cervical spine 3 months after the therapy changes showed 2 new periventricular lesions in the temporal lobes without contrast enhancement. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine was stable. Because of her seropositivity to JC polyoma virus and history of immunosuppression, natalizumab (α‎4β‎1 and α‎4β‎7 integrin inhibitor) was not recommended. After discussion regarding therapy choice, the patient elected to start fingolimod. Inflammatory bowel and connective tissue diseases are commonly treated with immunosuppressants including tumor necrosis factor-α‎ inhibitors. Tumor necrosis factor-α‎ is a cytokine with a wide range of functions, including immune cell regulation, induction of the inflammatory response, inhibition of tumor growth, and induction of apoptosis.

A 70-year-old woman sought care for subacute cognitive decline. She initially began to get lost in familiar places. She also reported multiple episodes of hot flashes accompanied by an unusual abdominal sensation that lasted 90 seconds each, which were suspicious for sensory seizures. After symptom onset, her cognition rapidly deteriorated over the subsequent 6 weeks such that she had difficulty with activities of daily living. On neural autoantibody testing, serum and cerebrospinal fluid were positive for α‎-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor immunoglobulin G autoantibody by tissue-based indirect immunofluorescence assay, which was molecularly confirmed by α‎-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor–specific cell-based assay. Because of the paraneoplastic significance of α‎-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor–immunoglobulin G, a comprehensive search for cancer followed. 18F-Fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography of the body demonstrated increased 18F-fludeoxyglucose uptake (hypermetabolism) in the right hilum and numerous mediastinal lymph nodes, suggestive of malignancy. Dedicated positron emission tomography-computed tomography brain imaging demonstrated generalized atrophy, without abnormal uptake. Bronchoscopy with lymph node biopsy was undertaken. Small cell carcinoma of the lung was found on histopathologic analysis. The patient was diagnosed with paraneoplastic autoimmune dementia in the setting of α‎-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor autoantibodies and stage IIIB small cell carcinoma of the lung. The metastatic small cell carcinoma of the lung was treated with chemotherapy (carboplatin and etoposide) and radiation, with disease resolution. For her cognitive symptoms, she was given intravenous methylprednisolone, with resolution of symptoms. An insidious onset of cognitive decline in older persons is suggestive of a neurodegenerative dementia. However, a rapidly progressive dementia or a subacute or fluctuating course should raise suspicion for an autoimmune/paraneoplastic cause, which is critical to identify given the potential for reversibility.

Objective To determine the frequency, age and sex associations for autoimmune encephalitis antibody biomarkers (AE-Abs). Methods There were 42032 patients tested in the Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology Laboratory between January 2018-December 2019 for AE-Abs in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) including; NMDA-R-IgG, AMPA-R-IgG, GABAB-R-IgG, CASPR2-IgG, LGI1-IgG, GAD65-IgG, CRMP5-IgG, amphiphysin-IgG, PCA1/2/Tr-IgGs, ANNA1/2/3-IgGs, GFAP-α-IgG, mGluR1-IgG, DPPX-IgG, MOG-IgG1, were examined to determine frequency of antibody positivity. Age and sex associations were examined using multivariable logistic regression. Results Adult serum analysis (22,472 patients; 56% female) revealed 814 (4%) were positive: NMDA-R-IgG (25%) > GAD65-IgG (22%) > LGI1-IgG (21%) > others. Of children (5,649; 50% female), 250 (4%) were positive: NMDA-R-IgG (53%) > MOG-IgG1 (32%) > GAD65-IgG (7%) > others. Adult CSF analysis (18,745 patients; 54% female) revealed 709 (4%) were positive; NMDA-R-IgG (45%) > GAD65-IgG (19%) > LGI1-IgG (13%) > others. Of children (5136; 50% female), 276 (5%) were positive: NMDA-R-IgG (90%) > GAD65-IgG (7%) > others. Age 65 years was associated with GABAB-R-IgG, LGI1-IgG, CASPR2-IgG and ANNA1-IgG (OR=7.33, 14.98, 3.67, 14.53, p Conclusion The most frequently detected were NMDA-R-IgG, LGI1-IgG, GAD65-IgG and MOG-IgG1. Age and sex associations may suggest paraneoplastic, endocrinological or aging influences on neurological autoimmunity.

Purpose of review To describe a recently characterized autoimmune, inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disorder known as autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy. Recent findings Affected patients present with symptoms of one or more of meningitis (headache and neck ache), encephalitis (delirium, tremor, seizures, or psychiatric symptoms), and myelitis (sensory symptoms and weakness). Optic disc papillitis (blurred vision) is common. CNS inflammation is evident in characteristic T1 postgadolinium enhancement of GFAP-enriched CNS regions, and lymphocytic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white cell count elevation. CSF is more reliable than serum for GFAP-immunoglobulin G (IgG) testing. Ovarian teratoma commonly coexists, particularly among patients with accompanying N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor or aquaporin-4 autoimmunity. Parainfectious autoimmunity is suspected in some other patients, though the culprit organism is rarely verified. Pathophysiologic relevance of T cells is underscored by neuropathology and cases of dysregulated T-cell function (HIV or checkpoint inhibitor cancer therapy). Corticosteroid-responsiveness is a hallmark of the disease. Relapses occur in approximately 20% of patients, necessitating transition to a steroid-sparing drug. Reported outcomes vary, though in the authors’ experience, early and sustained intervention usually portends recovery. Summary Autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy is a treatable autoimmune CNS disease diagnosable by GFAP-IgG testing in CSF. This disease presents opportunities to explore novel mechanisms of CNS autoimmunity and inflammation.

Background and ObjectiveThere are few studies comparing lesion evolution across different CNS demyelinating diseases, yet knowledge of this may be important for diagnosis and understanding differences in disease pathogenesis. We sought to compare MRI T2 lesion evolution in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin G (IgG)–associated disorder (MOGAD), aquaporin 4 IgG–positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG-NMOSD), and multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsIn this descriptive study, we retrospectively identified Mayo Clinic patients with MOGAD, AQP4-IgG-NMOSD, or MS and (1) brain or myelitis attack; (2) available attack MRI within 6 weeks; and (3) follow-up MRI beyond 6 months without interval relapses in that region. Two neurologists identified the symptomatic or largest T2 lesion for each patient (index lesion). MRIs were then independently reviewed by 2 neuroradiologists blinded to diagnosis to determine resolution of T2 lesions by consensus. The index T2 lesion area was manually outlined acutely and at follow-up to assess variation in size.ResultsWe included 156 patients (MOGAD, 38; AQP4-IgG-NMOSD, 51; MS, 67) with 172 attacks (brain, 81; myelitis, 91). The age (median [range]) differed between MOGAD (25 [2–74]), AQP4-IgG-NMOSD (53 [10–78]), and MS (37 [16–61]) (p < 0.01) and female sex predominated in the AQP4-IgG-NMOSD (41/51 [80%]) and MS (51/67 [76%]) groups but not among those with MOGAD (17/38 [45%]). Complete resolution of the index T2 lesion was more frequent in MOGAD (brain, 13/18 [72%]; spine, 22/28 [79%]) than AQP4-IgG-NMOSD (brain, 3/21 [14%]; spine, 0/34 [0%]) and MS (brain, 7/42 [17%]; spine, 0/29 [0%]) (p < 0.001). Resolution of all T2 lesions occurred most often in MOGAD (brain, 7/18 [39%]; spine, 22/28 [79%]) than AQP4-IgG-NMOSD (brain, 2/21 [10%]; spine, 0/34 [0%]) and MS (brain, 2/42 [5%]; spine, 0/29 [0%]) (p < 0.01). There was a larger median (range) reduction in T2 lesion area in mm2 on follow-up axial brain MRI with MOGAD (213 [55–873]) than AQP4-IgG-NMOSD (104 [0.7–597]) (p = 0.02) and MS (36 [0–506]) (p < 0.001) and the reductions in size on sagittal spine MRI follow-up in MOGAD (262 [0–888]) and AQP4-IgG-NMOSD (309 [0–1885]) were similar (p = 0.4) and greater than in MS (23 [0–152]) (p < 0.001).DiscussionThe MRI T2 lesions in MOGAD resolve completely more often than in AQP4-IgG-NMOSD and MS. This has implications for diagnosis, monitoring disease activity, and clinical trial design, while also providing insight into pathogenesis of CNS demyelinating diseases.

This study evaluates the proportion of patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG–associated disorders who fulfill the seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder criteria.

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has been demonstrated to be associated with non-organ and organ-specific autoantibodies (antinuclear antibody, extractable nuclear antibody, double-stranded DNA, muscle acetylcholine receptor antibody) and systemic autoimmune diseases. In this study, we evaluated whether a similar association with non-organ and organ-specifc autoantibodies occurs in patients with MOG-IgG1-associated disorders. We determined that MOG-IgG1 was not strongly associated with these organ and non-organ-specific autoantibodies. Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) was significantly associated with AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD and not with MOGAD ( p = 0.037). These findings suggest differences in co-existing systemic and organ-specific autoimmunity between MOGAD and AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD.

Background To date, 10 patients with GTPase Regulator Associated with Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/Rho GTPase Activating Protein 26-Immunoglobulin (GRAF1/ARHGAP26-IgG) associated neurological disorders have been described, most with ataxia. Objective To report the clinical, oncological, and radiological associations of GRAF1 autoantibodies. Methods We identified 17 patients whose serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid IgG was confirmed to target GRAF1/ARHGAP26-IgG by both tissue-based immunofluorescence and transfected cell-based assay. Clinical information was available on 14 patients. Results The median age at neurological symptom onset was 51 years, and 8 (47%) were men. The predominant clinical features were subacute progressive cerebellar ataxia (13) or peripheral neuropathy (2). Magnetic resonance imaging brain (7 available) showed cerebellar atrophy (4, 1 also cerebrum and brainstem atrophy). Of 7 cerebrospinal fluids available for testing, 5 showed pleocytosis with oligoclonal bands in 3. Squamous cell carcinoma was observed in 3 patients (head and neck [2], lung [1]). Conclusion GTPase Regulator Associated with Focal Adhesion Kinase 1 autoimmunity manifests commonly with subacute ataxia and cerebellar degeneration with a potential association with squamous cell carcinoma. Peripheral neuropathy may also be encountered. Cases in this series responded poorly to immunotherapy.

Altintas, Ayse/0000-0002-8524-5087; Laureys, Guy/0000-0002-1708-4373; Vucic, Steve/0000-0002-8323-873X; patti, francesco/0000-0002-6923-0846; Kister, Ilya/0000-0003-3549-949X; Lugaresi, Alessandra/0000-0003-2902-5589 WOS: 000521648000049 PubMed: 31877445 Background: Aquaporin-4-IgG positive (AQP4-IgG(+)) Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is an uncommon central nervous system autoimmune disorder. Disease outcomes in AQP4-IgG + NMOSD are typically measured by relapse rate and disability. Using the MSBase, a multi-centre international registry, we aimed to examine the impact immunosuppressive therapies and patient characteristics as predictors of disease outcome measures in AQP4-IgG + NMOSD. Method: This MSBase cohort study of AQP4-IgG + NMOSD patients examined modifiers of relapse in a multivariable proportional hazards model and expanded disability status score (EDSS) using a mixed effects model. Results: 206 AQP4-IgG + patients were included (median follow-up 3.7 years). Age (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.82 per decade, p = 0.001), brainstem onset (HR = 0.45, p = 0.009), azathioprine (HR = 0.46, p < 0.001) and mycophenolate mofetil (HR = 0.09, p = 0.012) were associated with a reduced risk of relapse. A greater EDSS was associated with age (beta = 0.45 (per decade), p < 0.001) and disease duration (beta = 0.07 per year, p < 0.001). A slower increase in EDSS was associated with azathioprine (beta = -0.48, p < 0.001), mycophenolate mofetil (beta = -0.69, p = 0.04) and rituximab (beta = -0.35, p = 0.024). Interpretation: This study has demonstrated that azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil reduce the risk of relapses and disability progression is modified by azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and rituximab. Age and disease duration were the only patient characteristics that modified the risk of relapse and disability in our cohort. National Health and Medical Research Council of AustraliaNational Health and Medical Research Council of Australia [1083539, 1129189, 1140766, 1080518]; MerckMerck & Company; BiogenBiogen; NovartisNovartis; Bayer-ScheringBayer AG; Sanofi-Genzyme; Teva This study was financially supported by National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia [project grants 1083539 and 1129189, and fellowships 1140766 and 1080518]. The MSBase Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that receives support from Merck, Biogen, Novartis, Bayer-Schering, Sanofi-Genzyme and Teva. The study was conducted separately and apart from the guidance of the sponsors.

Background: The magnetic resonance imaging in multiple sclerosis (MAGNIMS) score combines relapses and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions to predict disability outcomes in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) treated with interferon-β. Objective: To validate the MAGNIMS score and extend to other disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). To examine the prognostic value of gadolinium contrast-enhancing (Gd+) lesions. Methods: This RRMS MSBase cohort study ( n = 2293) used a Cox model to examine the prognostic value of relapses, MRI activity and the MAGNIMS score for disability worsening during treatment with interferon-β and three other DMTs. Results: Three new T2 lesions (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.60, p = 0.028) or two relapses (HR = 2.24, p = 0.002) on interferon-β (for 12 months) were predictive of disability worsening over 4 years. MAGNIMS score = 2 (1 relapse and ⩾3 T2 lesions or ⩾2 relapses) was associated with a greater risk of disability worsening on interferon-β (HR = 2.0, p = 0.001). In pooled cohort of four DMTs, similar associations were seen (MAGNIMS score = 2: HR = 1.72, p = 0.001). Secondary analyses demonstrated that the addition of Gd+ to the MAGNIMS did not materially improve its prediction of disability worsening. Conclusion: We have validated the MAGNIMS score in RRMS and extended its application to three other DMTs: 1 relapse and ⩾3 T2 lesions or ⩾2 relapses predicted worsening of disability. Contrast-enhancing lesions did not substantially improve the prognostic score.

We report four fatal cases of fulminant reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, all initially diagnosed as primary central nervous system vasculitis and treated with corticosteroids. Although reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is usually self-limiting without permanent neurologic deficits, rarely it can be fatal and worse outcomes have been associated with corticosteroid treatment.

We present a patient with positive medium titer MOG-IgG and progressive neurological decline whose clinical and radiological phenotype were not consistent with a MOG-IgG associated disorder and ultimately received a diagnosis of glioblastoma after brain biopsy and died 4 weeks later. This represents an important topic with a high frequency of MOG-IgG testing in clinical practice. Due to this there are increasing reports of MOG-IgG positivity in atypical clinical phenotypes, raising the possibility of false positives, which can have important implications. It is important to highlight that judicious clinical evaluation is needed when interpreting MOG-IgG results in atypical settings.

ObjectiveMyelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein–immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG) associated disorder (MOGAD) often manifests with recurrent CNS demyelinating attacks. The optimal treatment for reducing relapses is unknown. To help determine the efficacy of long-term immunotherapy in preventing relapse in patients with MOGAD, we conducted a multicenter retrospective study to determine the rate of relapses on various treatments.MethodsWe determined the frequency of relapses in patients receiving various forms of long-term immunotherapy for MOGAD. Inclusion criteria were history of ≥1 CNS demyelinating attacks, MOG-IgG seropositivity, and immunotherapy for ≥6 months. Patients were reviewed for CNS demyelinating attacks before and during long-term immunotherapy.ResultsSeventy patients were included. The median age at initial CNS demyelinating attack was 29 years (range 3–61 years; 33% ConclusionThis large retrospective multicenter study of patients with MOGAD suggests that maintenance immunotherapy reduces recurrent CNS demyelinating attacks, with the lowest ARR being associated with maintenance IVIG therapy. Traditional MS disease-modifying agents appear to be ineffective. Prospective randomized controlled studies are required to validate these conclusions.

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG is a biomarker associated with CNS demyelinating diseases.1,2 MOGAD and aquaporin-4-IgG–positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG + NMOSD) have overlapping clinical features including optic neuritis and myelitis. However, there are several clinical and radiologic distinguishing features of MOGAD including lack of female predominance, higher incidence of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), higher proportion of bilateral optic neuritis, and T2-signal confined to gray matter and conus involvement in myelitis.1,3,4

Opsoclonus in Anti-Ma2 Brain-Stem Encephalitis A 71-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of vertigo, diplopia, and ataxia. He had rapid, nonrhythmic, saccadic, and multidirectional ocular ...

This case-control study examines the inflammatory CNS event outcome among patients with an autoimmune disease who were treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors., Key Points Question Is exposure to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors associated with risk of inflammatory demyelinating and nondemyelinating central nervous system events in patients with an autoimmune disease? Findings In this case-control study of 212 patients with or without inflammatory CNS events, exposure to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors was associated with an increased risk of inflammatory central nervous system events. The association was similar for both inflammatory demyelinating and nondemyelinating central nervous system events. Meaning The association observed between exposure to tumor necrosis factor inhibitor and increased risk of inflammatory demyelinating and nondemyelinating central nervous system events warrants future research to ascertain whether the association may indicate de novo inflammation or exacerbation of already aberrant inflammatory pathways., Importance Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are common therapies for certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. An association between TNF inhibitor exposure and inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) events has been postulated but is poorly understood. Objective To evaluate whether TNF inhibitor exposure is associated with inflammatory demyelinating and nondemyelinating CNS events in patients with an indication for TNF inhibitor use and to describe the spectrum of those CNS events. Design, Setting, and Participants A nested case-control study was conducted using the medical records of patients with autoimmune diseases treated at 3 Mayo Clinic locations (Rochester, Minnesota; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Jacksonville, Florida) between January 1, 2003, and February 20, 2019. Patients were included if their records reported International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, diagnostic codes for US Food and Drug Administration–approved autoimmune disease indication for TNF inhibitor use (ie, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, Crohn disease, and ulcerative colitis) and diagnostic codes for inflammatory CNS events of interest. Patients were matched 1:1 with control participants by year of birth, type of autoimmune disease, and sex. Exposures TNF inhibitor exposure data were derived from the medical records along with type of TNF inhibitor, cumulative duration of exposure, and time of exposure. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was either inflammatory demyelinating (multiple sclerosis and other diseases such as optic neuritis) or nondemyelinating (meningitis, meningoencephalitis, encephalitis, neurosarcoidosis, and CNS vasculitis) CNS event. Association with TNF inhibitor was evaluated with conditional logistic regression and adjusted for disease duration to determine the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Secondary analyses included stratification of outcome by inflammatory demyelinating and nondemyelinating CNS events and by autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis and non–rheumatoid arthritis). Results A total of 212 individuals were included: 106 patients with inflammatory CNS events and 106 control participants without such events. Of this total, 136 were female (64%); the median (interquartile range) age at disease onset for patients was 52 (43-62) years. Exposure to TNF inhibitors occurred in 64 patients (60%) and 42 control participants (40%) and was associated with an increased risk of any inflammatory CNS event (adjusted OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.55-5.82; P = .001). These results were similar when the outcome was stratified by demyelinating and nondemyelinating CNS events. Secondary analyses found the association was predominantly observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (adjusted OR, 4.82; 95% CI, 1.62-14.36; P = .005). Conclusions and Relevance This study found that exposure to TNF inhibitors in patients with autoimmune diseases appeared to be associated with increased risk for inflammatory CNS events. Whether this association represents de novo or exacerbated inflammatory pathways requires further research.

This study characterizes the frequency and sex ratio of positive test results for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein–IgG and aquaporin-4–IgG in adult and pediatric patient populations in a single center.

Similar to Gazzola et al.,1 we treated a patient with primary marginal zone leptomeningeal lymphoma. A 58-year-old man presented with headaches, papilledema, and confusion on a background of left face/arm paresthesias for 3 years, attributed to migraine. CT brain scan showed sulcal-pattern right frontal hyperdensity, suspicious for subarachnoid blood, but normal size ventricles. Catheter arteriogram was normal. MRI showed frontal, basal, and spinal leptomeningeal enhancement. Lumbar punctures showed persistently elevated CSF pressure (>30 cm H2O) and protein (3.95 g/L) with monoclonal B lymphocytes and reactive T cell. Leptomeningeal biopsy showed a low-grade B cell neoplasm. Biopsy flow cytometry showed CD19, CD20, CD22, and FMC7-positive, kappa light-chain restricted B cells interpreted as low-grade marginal zone lymphoma. The patient was given high-dose methotrexate, rituximab IV, and intrathecal methotrexate for 6 weeks without clear response, then intrathecal rituximab plus methotrexate, with some improvement in CSF and MRI abnormalities. Our patient similarly had 2–3 years of intermittent cortical symptoms, then confusion and neuroimaging suggested subarachnoid hemorrhage. In addition, our patient also developed pseudotumor cerebri,2 probably due to very high CSF protein, and had incomplete response to chemotherapy. He completed a course of low-dose (2 Gy x 2) craniospinal radiotherapy and is now headache-free. These observations expand the clinical spectrum of chronic low-grade leptomeningeal lymphoma.

We describe a patient with small cell lung cancer with anti-Hu paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration and central hypoventilation syndrome. This highlights the insidious clinical presentation of central hypoventilation and raises awareness of this condition as a paraneoplastic phenomenon. This case also highlights the complex circuitry of automatic respiration in the brainstem and the potential role of the cerebellum. We emphasize the difficulties in managing paraneoplastic central hypoventilation.