Aquaporin-4 IgG neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder onset after Covid-19 vaccination: Systematic review.

ABSTRACT

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is rarely reported following Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. We identified 16 cases of new onset NMOSD with positive aquaporin-4 IgG (AQP4-IgG) following COVID-19 vaccination. Transverse myelitis was the most common clinical presentation (75%). Most patients received high dose steroids for acute treatment and maintenance therapy was started in 12 patients (75%). Twelve patients (75%) had improvement of their symptoms at the time of discharge or follow-up. The included cases share similar epidemiology and natural course to non-vaccine related cases. Clinicians should be aware of possible post-vaccination NMOSD to help with earlier diagnosis and treatment.