Current status of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) in Cote D’ivoire

Abstract

Introduction
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a chronic demyelinating disorder of the nervous system manifested by recurrent episodes of extensive myelitis associated with retrobulbar optic neuritis. Imaging and anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibody testing have revolutionized the diagnosis of this condition. It is still under-diagnosed in our context.
Aim
To describe the clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of patients with NMO in Côte d‘Ivoire.
Methodology
Retrospective descriptive study conducted from January 2015 to June 2021 in the neurology department of the University Hospital of Cocody (Abidjan, Ivory Coast) and included all patients for whom the diagnosis of NMO was retained.
Results
The hospital prevalence of NMO was 2‰. The mean age was 31 years with a female predominance. Paraplegia and retrobulbar optic neuritis were found in the majority of cases. The patients met the Wingerchuck criteria and were positive for AQP4 antibodies in 86% of cases. Treatment was based on corticosteroids and azathioprine. 86% of patients died one year after diagnosis.
Conclusion
NMO remains a rare and challenging chronic condition in our working context.