Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder complicated with Sjogren syndrome successfully treated with tocilizumab: A case report

Mod Rheumatol. 2016;26(2):294-6. doi: 10.3109/14397595.2013.861333. Epub 2013 Dec 9.

Abstract

A 38-year-old woman with relapsing longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) was admitted with lower extremity muscle weakness. Studies showed high serum titer of anti-aquaporin4 antibody and gadolinium-enhanced-MRI T1-weighted lesions within thoracic cord. Clinical findings suggested neuromyelitis optica-spectrum disorder (NMO-SD). High-dose corticosteroids, plasma exchange and cyclophosphamide were not effective. After starting tocilizumab, her neurological findings gradually improved. This report describes the first evidence to show tocilizumab could be effective for NMO-SD with SS.

Keywords: Anti-aquaporin4 antibody; Neuromyelitis optica; Sjogren's syndrome; Tocilizumab; Transverse myelitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Aquaporin 4 / immunology
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Myelitis, Transverse / blood
  • Myelitis, Transverse / complications*
  • Myelitis, Transverse / immunology
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / complications
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / drug therapy*
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / immunology
  • Plasmapheresis
  • Recurrence
  • Retreatment
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / blood
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / complications*
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / immunology
  • Treatment Failure
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Aquaporin 4
  • Autoantibodies
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • tocilizumab