Prodromal emesis in MOG-antibody associated disorder.

BACKGROUND

Exclusive emesis has been observed in few patients of MOG-associated disorder (MOGAD).

OBJECTIVES

To study the occurrence of emesis in patients of Demyelinating disorders and determine their clinical and radiological features.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Medical records of 551 patients of CNS demyelinating disorders were reviewed. Exclusive emesis without hiccups was observed in 1 (0.1%) patient of MS, 17 (6.5%) patients of MOGAD while none were observed in patients of AQP4-ab associated disorders (p < 0.001). There were 17(M:F-8:9) patients with exclusive emesis in MOGAD in 58.8% pediatric age group, adults (35.3%) and late-onset (5.9%). ADEMON (acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis -ADEM followed by optic neuritis) was observed in 7 patients. Preceding clinical syndrome was ON (41.2%), brainstem syndrome (BS) (23.5%), involvement of both ON and BS in 23.5%, myelopathy (11.8%). MRI analysis showed combination of lesions affecting the brainstem (11), optic nerve (10), juxtacortical white matter (10) and periventricular lesions (3). Odds ratio for the presence of ADEM, lesions in medulla, pons, MCP or any of the three areas was found to be significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Exclusive emesis without hiccups appears to be common in MOG-antibody associated disorder and may occur as a prodromal illness or exclusive clinical episode. It is known to occur most commonly in association with ADEM and/or Optic neuritis.