| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy;2. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy;3. Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Alessandro Manzoni, 56, 20089 Rozzano (MI), Italy |
| Abstract: | ![]()
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are a group of autoimmune conditions characterized by inflammatory involvement of the optic nerve, spinal cord and central nervous system. Novel evidence showed a key role of autoantibodies against aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4 IgG) in the pathogenesis of NMOSD and, recently, new classification and diagnostic criteria have been adopted to facilitate an earlier identification and improve the management of these conditions. Diagnosis of NMOSD is currently based on clinical, neuroimaging and laboratory features. Standard treatment is based on the use of steroids and immunosuppressive drugs and aims to control the severity of acute attacks and to prevent relapses of the disease. This review gives an update of latest knowledge of NMOSD and NMO, emphasizing the novel diagnostic criteria and both current and future therapeutic approaches. |
