Successful intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in relapsing MOG-antibody-associated disease

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2019 Jul:32:27-29. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.04.021. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

Abstract

Treatment of MOG Ab-associated disease is poorly standardized: several drugs have been employed, with variable results. A 50-year-old Caucasian male was admitted to hospital in 2009, with severe acute transverse myelitis. A brain and spinal cord MRI showed multiple demyelinating lesions and cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed no oligoclonal bands (OCBs). A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) was made. He was treated with interferon-beta 1a, then with fingolimod, and finally with rituximab. All these treatments were ineffective: he experienced several spinal and brainstem relapses, with residual disability. Finally, an empirical therapy with IVIg was started. Calling into question the diagnosis of MS, we performed anti-MOG test (positive). IVIg therapy was continued and the patient experienced only one mild relapse during a 24-month follow-up. Our patient, with an aggressive and atypical MOG Ab-associated disease, showed a very good response to longterm IVIg treatment.

Keywords: Demyelination; Immunoglobulin; MOG-antibody-associated disease; Neuroinflammation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein* / blood
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / blood
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein