Diagnostic Utility of MOG Antibody Testing in Cerebrospinal Fluid.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic utility of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG-IgG) testing. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients for CSF MOG-IgG testing from January 1, 1996, to May 1, 2023, at Mayo Clinic and other medical centers that sent CSF MOG-IgG for testing including: controls, 282; serum MOG-IgG positive MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), 74; serum MOG-IgG negative high-risk phenotypes, 73; serum false positive MOG-IgG with alternative diagnoses, 18. A live cell-based assay assessed CSF MOG-IgG positivity (IgG-binding-index [IBI], ≥2.5) using multiple anti-human secondary antibodies and end-titers were calculated if sufficient sample volume. Correlation of CSF MOG-IgG IBI and titer was assessed. RESULTS: The pan-IgG Fc-specific secondary was optimal, yielding CSF MOG-IgG sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 98% (Youden's index 0.88). CSF MOG-IgG was positive in: 4/282 (1.4%) controls; 66/74 (89%) serum MOG-IgG positive MOGAD patients; and 9/73 (12%) serum MOG-IgG negative patients with high-risk phenotypes. Serum negative but CSF positive MOG-IgG accounted for 9/83 (11%) MOGAD patients, and all fulfilled 2023 MOGAD diagnostic criteria. Subgroup analysis of serum MOG-IgG low-positives revealed CSF MOG-IgG positivity more in MOGAD (13/16[81%]) than other diseases with false positive serum MOG-IgG (3/15[20%]) (p = 0.01). CSF MOG-IgG IBI and CSF MOG-IgG titer (both available in 29 samples) were correlated (Spearman's r = 0.64, p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: CSF MOG-IgG testing has diagnostic utility in patients with a suspicious phenotype but negative serum MOG-IgG, and those with low positive serum MOG-IgG results and diagnostic uncertainty. These findings support a role for CSF MOG-IgG testing in the appropriate clinical setting. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:34-45.

Trends in Plasma Exchange Use in Optic Neuritis Hospitalizations in the United States.

PURPOSE: To report use trends of plasma exchange (PLEX) as well as sociodemographic and medical comorbidities associated with PLEX in the United States. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients (≥ 18 years) admitted for inpatient hospitalization with a primary diagnosis of optic neuritis (ON). METHODS: Data from the National Inpatient Sample database was compiled to assess PLEX use rates between 2000 and 2020. The cohorts of patients receiving PLEX versus not receiving PLEX were analyzed between quarter 4 of 2015 through 2020 (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision [ICD-10], only) for patient sociodemographic variables, medical diagnoses, insurance types, hospital characteristics, cause of disease, time to therapy, length of stay (LOS), and total charges incurred. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of ON, incidence of PLEX, demographics, diagnoses associated with PLEX therapy, total charges, and LOS. RESULTS: From 2000 through 2020, 11 209 patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of ON were identified, with a significant majority managed at urban teaching hospitals. Use of PLEX increased steadily over 2 decades from 0.63% to 5.46%. Use was greatest in the western United States and least in the eastern United States. In the subset of ICD-10 cases, 3215 patients were identified. The median time to therapy of PLEX was 1 day after admission, and PLEX use was highest in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) (21.21%) and lowest in multiple sclerosis-associated ON (3.80%). Use of PLEX was associated with significantly longer LOS and higher total charges incurred. Medical comorbidities associated with PLEX included adverse reaction to glucocorticoids (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 31.50), hemiplegia (aOR, 28.48), neuralgia (aOR, 4.81), optic atrophy (aOR, 3.74), paralytic strabismus (aOR, 2.36), and psoriasis (aOR, 1.76). CONCLUSIONS: Over the last 2 decades in the United States, PLEX therapy for ON has increased, with the highest use in the western United States and for patients with the diagnosis NMOSD ON. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Radiological predictors of visual outcome in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-related optic neuritis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers are associated with visual prognosis in myelin oligodendrocyte protein (MOG)-associated optic neuritis (MOG-ON). DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. SUBJECTS: Patients meeting 2023 international diagnostic criteria for MOG antibody-associated disease who were seen for first episodes of MOG-ON at three tertiary neuro-ophthalmology practices between January 2017 and July 2023 were enrolled. Patients who received less than 3 months of neuro-ophthalmic follow-up and did not demonstrate visual recovery (visual acuity [VA] ≥20/20 and visual field mean deviation [VFMD] >-5.0 dB) during this time were excluded. METHODS: Patients received contrast-enhanced, fat-suppressed MRI of the brain and orbits within one month of symptom onset. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The associations between radiological biomarkers and poor VA outcome (<20/40), incomplete VA recovery (<20/20), and poor VFMD outcome (VFMD <-5.0 dB) were assessed using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for time from symptom onset to treatment and nadir VA or VFMD. Radiological biomarkers included length of optic nerve enhancement (below vs. above 25%, 50%, and 75%); degree of orbital, canalicular, and intracranial or chiasmal optic nerve enhancement (mild vs. moderate-severe compared to the lacrimal gland); and absence vs. presence of optic nerve sheath enhancement on baseline T1-weighted MRI. RESULTS: A total of 129 eyes of 92 patients (median [IQR] age 37.0 [20.8-51.3], 65.2% female) were included. Poor VA outcome was seen in 6.2% of cases, incomplete VA recovery in 19.4%, and poor VFMD outcome in 16.9%. Compared to eyes with moderate-severe enhancement, eyes with mild orbital optic nerve enhancement were more likely to have poor VA outcome (OR 8.57; 95% CI [1.85, 51.14], P=0.009), incomplete VA recovery (OR 7.31, 95% CI [2.42, 25.47], P=0.001), and poor VFMD outcome (adjusting for time to treatment: OR 6.81, 95% CI [1.85, 28.98], P=0.005; adjusting for nadir VFMD: OR 11.65, 95% CI [1.60, 240.09], P=0.04). Lack of optic nerve sheath enhancement was additionally associated with incomplete VA recovery (OR 3.86, 95% CI [1.19, 12.85], P=0.02) compared to the presence of enhancement. These associations remained consistent in subgroup logistic regression analysis of MRIs performed before initiation of treatment but were not seen in pairwise analysis of MRIs performed after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In eyes with first MOG-ON episodes, milder enhancement in the orbital optic nerve is associated with poorer VA and VF recovery. Prospective and mechanistic studies are needed to confirm the prognostic utility of MRI in MOG-ON.

Cerebral Cortical Encephalitis in Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease.

Cerebral cortical encephalitis (CCE) is a recently described myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) phenotype. In this observational retrospective study, we characterized 19 CCE patients (6.7% of our MOGAD cohort). Headache (n = 15, 79%), seizures (n = 13, 68%), and encephalopathy (n = 12, 63%) were frequent. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed unilateral (n = 12, 63%) or bilateral (n = 7, 37%) cortical T2 hyperintensity and leptomeningeal enhancement (n = 17, 89%). N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor autoantibodies coexisted in 2 of 15 tested (13%). CCE pathology (n = 2) showed extensive subpial cortical demyelination (n = 2), microglial reactivity (n = 2), and inflammatory infiltrates (perivascular, n = 1; meningeal, n = 1). Most received high-dose steroids (n = 17, 89%), and all improved, but 3 had CCE relapses. This study highlights the CCE spectrum and provides insight into its pathogenesis. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:297-302.

Alterations in Aquaporin-4-IgG Serostatus in 986 Patients: A Laboratory-Based Longitudinal Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to investigate factors associated with aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG serostatus change using a large serological database. METHODS: This retrospective study utilizes Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology Laboratory data from 2007 to 2021. We included all patients with ≥2 AQP4-IgG tests (by cell-based assay). The frequency and clinical factors associated with serostatus change were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression analysis examined whether age, sex, or initial titer was associated with serostatus change. RESULTS: There were 933 patients who had ≥2 AQP4-IgG tests with an initial positive result. Of those, 830 (89%) remained seropositive and 103 (11%) seroreverted to negative. Median interval to seroreversion was 1.2 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.4-3.5). Of those with sustained seropositivity, titers were stable in 92%. Seroreversion was associated with age ≤ 20 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-4.63; p = 0.028) and low initial titer of ≤1:100 (OR = 11.44, 95% CI = 3.17-41.26, p < 0.001), and 5 had clinical attacks despite seroreversion. Among 62 retested after seroreversion, 50% returned to seropositive (median = 224 days, IQR = 160-371). An initial negative AQP4-IgG test occurred in 9,308 patients. Of those, 99% remained seronegative and 53 (0.3%) seroconverted at a median interval of 0.76 years (IQR = 0.37-1.68). INTERPRETATION: AQP4-IgG seropositivity usually persists over time with little change in titer. Seroreversion to negative is uncommon (11%) and associated with lower titers and younger age. Seroreversion was often transient, and attacks occasionally occurred despite prior seroreversion, suggesting it may not reliably reflect disease activity. Seroconversion to positive is rare (<1%), limiting the utility of repeat testing in seronegative patients unless clinical suspicion is high. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:727-735.

Do Early Relapses Predict the Risk of Long-Term Relapsing Disease in an Adult and Paediatric Cohort with MOGAD?

OBJECTIVE: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) can be monophasic or relapsing, with early relapse being a feature. However, the relevance of early relapse on longer-term relapse risk is unknown. Here, we investigate whether early relapses increase longer-term relapse risk in patients with MOGAD. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 289 adult- and pediatric-onset patients with MOGAD followed for at least 2 years in 6 specialized referral centers. "Early relapses" were defined as attacks within the first 12 months from onset, with "very early relapses" defined within 30 to 90 days from onset and "delayed early relapses" defined within 90 to 365 days. "Long-term relapses" were defined as relapses beyond 12 months. Cox regression modeling and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to estimate the long-term relapse risk and rate. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients (23.2%) had early relapses with a median number of 1 event. Univariate analysis revealed an elevated risk for long-term relapses if any "early relapses" were present (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.11, p < 0.001), whether occurring during the first 3 months (HR = 2.70, p < 0.001) or the remaining 9 months (HR = 1.88, p = 0.001), with similar results yielded in the multivariate analysis. In children with onset below aged 12 years, only delayed early relapses were associated with an increased risk of long-term relapses (HR = 2.64, p = 0.026). INTERPRETATION: The presence of very early relapses and delayed early relapses within 12 months of onset in patients with MOGAD increases the risk of long-term relapsing disease, whereas a relapse within 90 days appears not to indicate a chronic inflammatory process in young pediatric-onset disease. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:508-517.

Barriers to Alzheimer Disease Clinical Trial Participation in a Minority Population.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States, disproportionately burdens minority populations. OBJECTIVE: To explore barriers to AD clinical trial participation by Asian and Native Hawaiian patients diagnosed with AD or mild cognitive impairment. METHOD: We surveyed 187 patients with a Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥14 between January 2022 and June 2022. The score cutoff for clinical trial eligibility was set by the institution. Individuals also completed a 15-question telephone survey that assessed demographics, barriers to clinical trial participation, and clinical trial improvement methods. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients responded, with a response rate of 26%. Asian and Native Hawaiian patients were less likely than White patients to participate in AD trials. The main barrier to participation was a lack of information about AD trials. Providing additional information regarding AD trials to patients and family members were listed as the top two reasons patients would consider participating in a clinical trial. CONCLUSION: Insufficient information about AD clinical trials is the primary barrier to participation among Asian and Native Hawaiian patients, followed by difficulty coordinating transportation and, in the case of Asians, the time required for clinical trials. Increased outreach, education, and assistance with logistics in these populations should be pursued to improve rates of participation in clinical trials.

Reexamining the Incidence of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Rochester Epidemiology Project Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine the population-based incidence and characterize the features of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) using the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP). METHODS: All patients diagnosed with an optic neuropathy from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2016, were retrospectively reviewed to identify incident cases of NAION using the REP database, which is a record-linkage system of medical records for all patient-physician encounters among Olmsted County, Minnesota residents. The overall incidence of NAION was estimated using the age-specific and sex-specific population figures for Olmsted County census data for 1990 through 2016. Visual outcomes and risk factors were evaluated. The systemic risk factors were compared with age-matched controls. RESULTS: One hundred four patients were diagnosed with NAION during the 26-year study period. The overall age and sex adjusted incidence was 3.89 per 100,000 individuals (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.14-4.65). The incidence was 7.73 (CI: 6.24-9.22) in patients aged 40 years or older and 10.19 (CI: 8.15-12.23) in patients aged 50 years or older. Median age at diagnosis was 65 years (range, 40-90 years), and 59 (56.7%) were male. The median logMAR visual acuity at presentation was 0.35 (Snellen equivalent of 20/40) with 14 patients (13.5%) having vision of counting fingers or worse. Among the 91 patients with final visual acuity outcome data available, the median visual acuity was 0.40 (Snellen equivalent of 20/50) with 12 patients (13.2%) having vision of counting fingers or worse. Twenty-four patients (26.4%) were noted to have final acuity at least 3 Snellen lines worse than at presentation, whereas 17 patients (18.7%) were noted to improve by at least 3 lines. The median mean deviation on automated visual field testing was -10.2 dB at presentation and -11.1 dB at follow-up. Twenty-two patients (21.2%) suffered NAION in the fellow eye; the median interval between involvement of the first and second eyes was 1.39 years. Systemic diseases present in the NAION cohort included hypertension (79.8%), diabetes mellitus (39.4%), obstructive sleep apnea (23.1%), and hyperlipidemia (74.0%), which were all statistically higher than age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: NAION is a relatively common optic neuropathy in elderly patients with vascular risk factors. Our data indicate that the incidence of NAION has remained relatively stable in the population of Olmsted County over the past 4 decades.

Ocular Manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the population-based frequency and severity of multiple sclerosis (MS)-related ocular diseases. METHODS: Retrospective, population-based study examining patients with MS between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2011. Patients were identified using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, which is a record-linkage system of medical records for all patient-physician encounters among Olmsted County, Minnesota residents. Diagnosis of MS was confirmed based on neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid studies, and serum studies for each patient according to the 2017 McDonald criteria. Patient data were obtained using the medical records and followed through April 1, 2018. RESULTS: Of the 116 patients with MS, 66% were female and the median age of onset was 36 years (interquartile range 27.5-43.5 years). About half (61/116, 53%) had MS-related neuro-ophthalmic manifestations during their disease course, and about one-fourth (33/116, 28%) had visual symptoms as their presenting symptom of MS, most commonly as optic neuritis (26/116, 22%). Optic neuritis was the leading MS-related ocular condition (37%), followed by internuclear ophthalmoplegia (16%) and nystagmus (13%). Optic neuritis was mostly unilateral (40/43, 93%), with 16% (6/43) having a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse at nadir but ultimately 95% (35/37) improving to a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the population-based frequency of MS-related ocular disease, which demonstrates a high frequency of ocular manifestations in MS both at disease onset and during the disease course, emphasizing the utility of neuro-ophthalmologists, or collaboration between neurologists and ophthalmologists, in the care of patients with MS.

Common Design and Data Elements Reported on Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Trials: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: There are an increasing number of controlled clinical trials and prospective studies, ongoing and recently completed, regarding management options for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). We present a Common Design and Data Element (CDDE) analysis of controlled and prospective IIH studies with the aim of aligning essential design and recommending data elements in future trials and enhancing data synthesis potential in IIH trials. METHODS: We used PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov to screen for ongoing and published trials assessing treatment modalities in people with IIH. After our search, we used the Nested Knowledge AutoLit platform to extract pertinent information regarding each study. We examined outputs from each study and synthesized the data elements to determine the degree of homogeneity between studies. RESULTS: The most CDDE for inclusion criteria was the modified Dandy criteria for diagnosis of IIH, used in 9/14 studies (64%). The most CDDE for outcomes was change in visual function, reported in 12/14 studies (86%). Evaluation of surgical procedures (venous sinus stenting, cerebrospinal fluid shunt placement, and others) was more common, seen in 9/14 studies (64%) as compared with interventions with medical therapy 6/14 (43%). CONCLUSIONS: Although all studies have similar focus to improve patient care, there was a high degree of inconsistency among studies regarding inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, and outcomes measures. Furthermore, studies used different time frames to assess outcome data elements. This heterogeneity will make it difficult to achieve a consistent standard, and thus, making secondary analyses and meta-analyses less effective in the future. Consensus on design of trials is an unmet research need for IIH.

Optic Disc Cupping in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder, Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis and Its Relationship With Optical Coherence Tomography Parameters: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Although cupping of the optic nerve is classically a sign of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, it has been shown that cupping can sometimes occur after an episode of optic neuritis (ON). The purpose of this study was to compare cupping in patients after ON from multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) and to investigate the relationship between cupping and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thinning. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort involving patients (≥18 years) with ON from 3 institutions. Patients were eligible if they had optical coherence tomography (Cirrus, OCT) performed ≥6 months after a single unilateral ON. The amount of thinning and cupping was estimated from the difference in the OCT parameters between affected and unaffected eyes. Univariable and multivariable regressions were used to investigate the relationship between cupping and ON etiology. Pearson correlation was used to investigate the relationship between cupping and RNFL and GCC. RESULTS: Eighty-six subjects (MS: 35, NMOSD: 26, and MOGAD: 25) were included. There was no significant difference in gender and race between the groups, and most patients (86.1%) were female. Patients with NMOSD were significantly older than patients with MS or MOGAD (P = 0.002). In the univariate model, cupping was significantly higher in the NMOSD group (P = 0.017); however, after adjusting for age, GCC, and RNFL of the affected eye, the difference was no longer statistically significant (P = 0.949). The correlation between cupping asymmetry and RNFL and GCC of the affected eye was inversely strong in patients with MS (R = -0.60 and R = -0.64, respectively), inversely moderate in patients with MOGAD (R = -0.34 and R = -0.40, respectively), and weak in patients with NMOSD (R = -0.03 and R = -0.17, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that cupping after ON is correlated with RNFL and GCC thinning; although cupping was overall greater in the NMOSD group, once adjusted for age, RNFL, and GCC, it did not differ among patients with MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Retinal Imaging Associations With Burden of Small Vessel Disease and Amyloid Positivity in the Brain.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer disease (AD) and other dementias are associated with vascular changes and amyloid deposition, which may be reflected as density changes in the retinal capillaries. These changes may can be directly visualized and quantified with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), making OCTA a potential noninvasive preclinical biomarker of small vessel disease and amyloid positivity. Our objective was to investigate the feasibility of retinal imaging metrics as noninvasive biomarkers of small vessel disease and amyloid positivity in the brain. METHODS: We investigated associations between OCTA and neuroimaging and cognitive metrics in 41 participants without dementia from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. OCTA metrics included superficial, deep, and full retina capillary density of the fovea, parafovea, and macula as well as the area of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Neuroimaging metrics included a high burden of white matter hyperintensity (WMH), presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMB), lacunar infarcts, and amyloid positivity as evidenced on positron emission tomography (PET), whereas cognitive metrics included mini-mental status examination (MMSE) score. We performed generalized estimating equations to account for measurements in each eye while controlling for age and sex to estimate associations between OCTA metrics and neuroimaging and cognitive scores. RESULTS: Associations between OCTA and neuroimaging metrics were restricted to the fovea. OCTA showed decreased capillary density with high burden of WMH in both the superficial (P = 0.003), deep (P = 0.004), and full retina (P = 0.01) in the fovea but not the parafovea or whole macula. Similarly, participants with amyloid PET positivity had significantly decreased capillary density in the superficial fovea (P = 0.027) and deep fovea (P = 0.03) but higher density in the superficial parafovea (P = 0.038). Participants with amyloid PET positivity also had a significantly larger FAZ (P = 0.031), whereas in those with high WMH burden the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.075). There was also a positive association between MMSE and capillary density of the full retina within the fovea (P = 0.037) and in the superficial parafovea (P = 0.046). No associations were found between OCTA metrics and presence of CMB or presence of lacunar infarcts. CONCLUSION: The associations of lower foveal capillary density with cerebral WMH and amyloid positivity suggest that further research is warranted to evaluate for shared mechanisms of disease between small vessel disease and AD pathologies.

A Comparative Study of Large Language Models, Human Experts, and Expert-Edited Large Language Models to Neuro-Ophthalmology Questions.

BACKGROUND: While large language models (LLMs) are increasingly used in medicine, their effectiveness compared with human experts remains unclear. This study evaluates the quality and empathy of Expert + AI, human experts, and LLM responses in neuro-ophthalmology. METHODS: This randomized, masked, multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2023. We randomly assigned 21 neuro-ophthalmology questions to 13 experts. Each expert provided an answer and then edited a ChatGPT-4-generated response, timing both tasks. In addition, 5 LLMs (ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, Claude 2, Bing, Bard) generated responses. Anonymized and randomized responses from Expert + AI, human experts, and LLMs were evaluated by the remaining 12 experts. The main outcome was the mean score for quality and empathy, rated on a 1-5 scale. RESULTS: Significant differences existed between response types for both quality and empathy (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001). For quality, Expert + AI (4.16 ± 0.81) performed the best, followed by GPT-4 (4.04 ± 0.92), GPT-3.5 (3.99 ± 0.87), Claude (3.6 ± 1.09), Expert (3.56 ± 1.01), Bard (3.5 ± 1.15), and Bing (3.04 ± 1.12). For empathy, Expert + AI (3.63 ± 0.87) had the highest score, followed by GPT-4 (3.6 ± 0.88), Bard (3.54 ± 0.89), GPT-3.5 (3.5 ± 0.83), Bing (3.27 ± 1.03), Expert (3.26 ± 1.08), and Claude (3.11 ± 0.78). For quality (P < 0.0001) and empathy (P = 0.002), Expert + AI performed better than Expert. Time taken for expert-created and expert-edited LLM responses was similar (P = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Expert-edited LLM responses had the highest expert-determined ratings of quality and empathy warranting further exploration of their potential benefits in clinical settings.

Artificial Intelligence to Detect Papilledema from Ocular Fundus Photographs.

BACKGROUND: Nonophthalmologist physicians do not confidently perform direct ophthalmoscopy. The use of artificial intelligence to detect papilledema and other optic-disk abnormalities from fundus photographs has not been well studied. METHODS: We trained, validated, and externally tested a deep-learning system to classify optic disks as being normal or having papilledema or other abnormalities from 15,846 retrospectively collected ocular fundus photographs that had been obtained with pharmacologic pupillary dilation and various digital cameras in persons from multiple ethnic populations. Of these photographs, 14,341 from 19 sites in 11 countries were used for training and validation, and 1505 photographs from 5 other sites were used for external testing. Performance at classifying the optic-disk appearance was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity, as compared with a reference standard of clinical diagnoses by neuro-ophthalmologists. RESULTS: The training and validation data sets from 6779 patients included 14,341 photographs: 9156 of normal disks, 2148 of disks with papilledema, and 3037 of disks with other abnormalities. The percentage classified as being normal ranged across sites from 9.8 to 100%; the percentage classified as having papilledema ranged across sites from zero to 59.5%. In the validation set, the system discriminated disks with papilledema from normal disks and disks with nonpapilledema abnormalities with an AUC of 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98 to 0.99) and normal from abnormal disks with an AUC of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.99 to 0.99). In the external-testing data set of 1505 photographs, the system had an AUC for the detection of papilledema of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.95 to 0.97), a sensitivity of 96.4% (95% CI, 93.9 to 98.3), and a specificity of 84.7% (95% CI, 82.3 to 87.1). CONCLUSIONS: A deep-learning system using fundus photographs with pharmacologically dilated pupils differentiated among optic disks with papilledema, normal disks, and disks with nonpapilledema abnormalities. (Funded by the Singapore National Medical Research Council and the SingHealth Duke-NUS Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program.).

Cerebral enhancement in MOG antibody-associated disease.

INTRODUCTION: Limited data exist on brain MRI enhancement in myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) and differences from aquaporin-4-IgG-positive-neuromyelitis-optica-spectrum-disorder (AQP4+NMOSD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we identified 122 Mayo Clinic MOGAD patients (1 January 1996-1 July 2020) with cerebral attacks. We explored enhancement patterns using a discovery set (n=41). We assessed enhancement frequency and Expanded Disability Status Scale scores at nadir and follow-up in the remainder (n=81). Two raters assessed T1-weighted-postgadolinium MRIs (1.5T/3T) for enhancement patterns in MOGAD, AQP4+NMOSD (n=14) and MS (n=26). Inter-rater agreement was assessed. Leptomeningeal enhancement clinical correlates were analysed. RESULTS: Enhancement occurred in 59/81 (73%) MOGAD cerebral attacks but did not influence outcome. Enhancement was often patchy/heterogeneous in MOGAD (33/59 (56%)), AQP4+NMOSD (9/14 (64%); p=0.57) and MS (16/26 (62%); p=0.63). Leptomeningeal enhancement favoured MOGAD (27/59 (46%)) over AQP4+NMOSD (1/14 (7%); p=0.01) and MS (1/26 (4%); p<0.001) with headache, fever and seizures frequent clinical correlates. Ring enhancement favoured MS (8/26 (31%); p=0.006) over MOGAD (4/59 (7%)). Linear ependymal enhancement was unique to AQP4+NMOSD (2/14 (14%)) and persistent enhancement (>3 months) was rare (0%-8%) across all groups. Inter-rater agreement for enhancement patterns was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Enhancement is common with MOGAD cerebral attacks and often has a non-specific patchy appearance and rarely persists beyond 3 months. Leptomeningeal enhancement favours MOGAD over AQP4+NMOSD and MS.

LRRK2 Inhibition by BIIB122 in Healthy Participants and Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) inhibition is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the potent, selective, CNS-penetrant LRRK2 inhibitor BIIB122 (DNL151) in healthy participants and patients with PD. METHODS: Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were completed. The phase 1 study (DNLI-C-0001) evaluated single and multiple doses of BIIB122 for up to 28 days in healthy participants. The phase 1b study (DNLI-C-0003) evaluated BIIB122 for 28 days in patients with mild to moderate PD. The primary objectives were to investigate the safety, tolerability, and plasma pharmacokinetics of BIIB122. Pharmacodynamic outcomes included peripheral and central target inhibition and lysosomal pathway engagement biomarkers. RESULTS: A total of 186/184 healthy participants (146/145 BIIB122, 40/39 placebo) and 36/36 patients (26/26 BIIB122, 10/10 placebo) were randomized/treated in the phase 1 and phase 1b studies, respectively. In both studies, BIIB122 was generally well tolerated; no serious adverse events were reported, and the majority of treatment-emergent adverse events were mild. BIIB122 cerebrospinal fluid/unbound plasma concentration ratio was ~1 (range, 0.7-1.8). Dose-dependent median reductions from baseline were observed in whole-blood phosphorylated serine 935 LRRK2 (≤98%), peripheral blood mononuclear cell phosphorylated threonine 73 pRab10 (≤93%), cerebrospinal fluid total LRRK2 (≤50%), and urine bis (monoacylglycerol) phosphate (≤74%). CONCLUSIONS: At generally safe and well-tolerated doses, BIIB122 achieved substantial peripheral LRRK2 kinase inhibition and modulation of lysosomal pathways downstream of LRRK2, with evidence of CNS distribution and target inhibition. These studies support continued investigation of LRRK2 inhibition with BIIB122 for the treatment of PD. © 2023 Denali Therapeutics Inc and The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Corpus callosum involvement in MOG antibody-associated disease in comparison to AQP4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Data on corpus callosum involvement in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) are limited. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare callosal lesions in MOGAD, multiple sclerosis (MS), and aquaporin-4-IgG positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4+NMOSD). RESULTS: Callosal lesion frequency was similar in MOGAD (38/171 (22%)), MS (24/72 (33%)), and AQP4+NMOSD (18/63 (29%)). Clinical phenotypes included encephalopathy (47%) and focal supratentorial (21%) or infratentorial (45%) deficits. None had callosal-disconnection syndromes. Maximal callosal-T2-lesion diameter (median (range)) in millimeter was similar in MOGAD (21 (4-77)) and AQP4+NMOSD (22 (5-49); p = 0.93) but greater than in MS (10.5 (2-64)). Extracallosal extension (21/38 (55%)) and T2-lesion resolution (19/34 (56%)) favored MOGAD. CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar frequency and imaging overlap, larger lesions, sagittal midline involvement, and lesion resolution favored MOGAD.

Comparison of MRI T2-lesion evolution in pediatric MOGAD, NMOSD, and MS.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-lesions resolve more often in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) than aquaporin-4 IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4 + NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults but few studies analyzed children. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to investigate MRI T2-lesion evolution in pediatric MOGAD, AQP4 + NMOSD, and MS. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) first clinical attack; (2) abnormal MRI (⩽6 weeks); (3) follow-up MRI beyond 6 months without relapses in that region; and (4) age < 18 years. An index T2-lesion (symptomatic/largest) was identified, and T2-lesion resolution or persistence on follow-up MRI was determined. RESULTS: We included 56 patients (MOGAD, 21; AQP4 + NMOSD, 8; MS, 27) with 69 attacks. Index T2-lesion resolution was more frequent in MOGAD (brain 9 of 15 [60%]; spine 8 of 12 [67%]) than AQP4 + NMOSD (brain 1 of 4 [25%]; spine 0 of 7 [0%]) and MS (brain 0 of 18 [0%]; spine 1 of 13 [8%]), p < 0.01. Resolution of all T2-lesions occurred more often in MOGAD (brain 6 of 15 [40%]; spine 7 of 12 [58%]) than AQP4 + NMOSD (brain 1 of 4 [25%]; spine 0 of 7 [0%]), and MS (brain 0 of 18 [0%]; spine 1 of 13 [8%]), p < 0.01. Reductions in median index T2-lesion area were greater in MOGAD (brain, 305 mm; spine, 23 mm) than MS (brain, 42 mm [p<0.001]; spine, 10 mm [p<0.001]) without differing from AQP4 + NMOSD (brain, 133 mm [p=0.42]; spine, 19.5 mm [p=0.69]). CONCLUSION: In children, MRI T2-lesions resolved more often in MOGAD than AQP4 + NMOSD and MS which is similar to adults suggesting these differences are related to pathogenesis rather than age.

Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for acute attacks in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease.

BACKGROUND: The potential therapeutic benefit of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) for acute attacks of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to describe the outcomes of IVIG treatment for acute MOGAD attacks. METHODS: A retrospective observational study involving seven tertiary neuroimmunology centers. Data collection included patients' demographics, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and visual acuity (VA) before the attack, at the nadir of the attack before IVIG treatment, and at follow-up visits ⩾3 months after treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included, of which 21 (53.8%) were female. The median age was 23 years (range 5-74 years), and the median disease duration was 4 months (range 0-93 months). The most common type of attack treated with IVIG was isolated optic neuritis (ON) (unilateral n = 14, bilateral n = 5, associated with transverse myelitis (TM), n = 1), followed by acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) (n = 8), multifocal (n = 7), TM (n = 3), brainstem (n = 1), and other encephalitis (n = 1). A significant improvement in both the EDSS and VA measures was observed at follow-up compared to the time of IVIG treatment initiation (p < 0.0001 for both outcome measures). CONCLUSION: IVIG may be an effective treatment option for acute MOGAD attacks. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate our results.

Transient Bilateral Central Scotoma on Awakening: A Distinct Phenomenon.

BACKGROUND: Transient vision loss can be an alarming symptom owing to potentially serious etiologies such as thromboembolism or giant cell arteritis. Transient monocular vision loss (TVML) on awakening has been recently described as a benign phenomenon (Bouffard et al, 2017). Our objective was to describe the unique phenomenon of transient binocular vision loss (TBVL) on awakening. METHODS: Retrospective observational case series of 5 patients who experienced TBVL on awakening seen in the neuro-ophthalmology clinic at the Mayo Clinic between 2016 and 2020. Patients who described generalized blurred vision and those with monocular transient vision loss were excluded. RESULTS: The median age was 81.4 years (range, 68-92 years), and all were male. Every patient described a stereotyped transient bilateral central scotoma on awakening with slightly irregular borders and mild asymmetry between the 2 eyes lasting between 15 and 90 minutes. Frequency ranged from 3 to 7 times per week, and there was a median of 319 episodes (range, 126-728 episodes) before evaluation in the neuro-ophthalmology clinic. All patients had normal optic nerves, and no plaques were noted in the retinal vessels. All 5 had macular drusen, which were predominantly extrafoveal and mild. Two patients underwent electrophysiology testing, which were both normal on full-field electroretinogram (ERG), but there was blunted central wave forms on multifocal ERG. Two patients underwent dark adaptation testing, which showed both prolong and diminished dark adaptation. Neuroimaging and thromboembolic workup were unrevealing. CONCLUSIONS: TBVL is a distinct phenomenon from TMVL on awakening, which has a different demographic and symptomology. The etiology is unclear but seems to be a focal macular process in conjunction with an autoregulatory failure resulting in a supply-demand mismatch during low-light conditions.