Open AccessA 10‐YEAR OLD GIRL WITH NECK PAIN
Author(s) -
Horbinski Craig,
Pollack Ian F.,
Wiley Clayton,
Murdoch Geoff
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
brain pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.986
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1750-3639
pISSN - 1015-6305
DOI - 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2009.00365.x
Subject(s) - neuromyelitis optica , medicine , neck pain , lesion , differential diagnosis , weakness , spinal cord , multiple sclerosis , presentation (obstetrics) , radiology , pathology , surgery , alternative medicine , psychiatry
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), (Devic's disease), is a relatively uncommon autoimmune disease predominantly involving the spinal cord and optic nerves. We present a 10 year-old female with intermittent neck pain, progressive right upper and bilateral lower extremity weakness. MR imaging and intraoperative findings were strongly suggestive of a neoplastic process. However, pathologic examination showed an inflammatory demyelinating lesion and serological studies were positive for NMO-IgG. The patient improved dramatically following resection of the compressive "pseudotumor", with resolution of her preoperative deficits. This case underscores the diverse clinical presentation of neuromyelitis optica and the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis in pediatric lesions resembling neoplasms.