Neuromyelitis Optica: Devic's Disease

ABSTRACT

Sudden and complete binocular visual loss in a healthy young person is undoubtedly a major catastrophe to the patient. In our department of ophthamology we experienced a case of neuromyelitis optica on Apr. 1, 1976. Two months before admission he had common cold like symptoms and 7 days after that a paresthesia below the 5th thoracic level and paraplegia of his both lower legs associated with urinary incontinence and deficaticn difficulty were found. On Apr. 1, 1976. he had sudden bilateral visual loss down to HM/10cm. In fundus examination marked venous engorgement and blurred disc margin with elevation of disc were found. In his right eye optic atrophy, previousely existed, was found. As soon as he admitted in the ophthalmology ward medications of prednisolone, vitamin-B, kimotab, INH, per oral were administered. 4 days after medical treatment his visual acuity seemed to be improved. The symptoms of acute myelitis were also improved. At the time of discharge his left vision was 0.6 and the right vision FC/30cm. He has not visited ophthalmology department since then, so, no more follow up examination was possible.