Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare neuroinflammatory disorder that predominantly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. NMO was originally considered to be a subtype of multiple sclerosis, but the recent discovery of NMO-specific serum autoantibodies has caused it to be reclassified as a distinct disease. In this article, Jariuset al. review clinical, serological and pathological findings in NMO, and discuss the evidence supporting an antibody-mediated mechanism in its pathogenesis.
- Sven Jarius
- Friedemann Paul
- Brigitte Wildemann
