Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder and Neurosyphilis Coexist in A Chinese Woman

Abstract

Background: Neuromyelitisoptica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a series of central nervous system diseases with positive aquaporin-4 antibody. And neurosyphilis is a manifestation of the late syphilis. Although Neuromyelitisoptica (NMO) following syphilis has been previously reported, transverse myelitis and neurosyphilis in the same patient with positive aquaporin-4 antibody has never been mentioned.

Ocular Syphilis Presenting As Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

“…NA-AION has also been reported with Lyme disease (a disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete like T. pallidum) [24]. Syphilis can arguably trigger or cause an immune-mediated optic neuropathy like seropositive and seronegative variants of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), which has been reported in several articles with ocular and or neurosyphilis [25][26][27][28], or NMDAR antibody encephalitis [29]. Other differentials for painless loss of vision include Leber's hereditary ON (LHON) [14].…”