Urinary Tract Infection Masquerading as a Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Exacerbation: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a relapsing autoimmune demyelinating disease, characterized by severe attacks of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Distinguishing true relapses from infection-related pseudo-exacerbations is essential, particularly in immunosuppressed patients where clinical presentations may be atypical.

Case presentation

An 83-year-old woman with AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD and Parkinson's disease presented with acute visual loss and altered mental status, initially suspected to represent a relapse. Empirical intravenous corticosteroids were administered, but her condition worsened with new hallucinations. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed no new demyelinating lesions. Urinalysis and culture confirmed a urinary tract infect

SUBMITTER: Mendes J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12803527 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature