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

J Neuroimmunol. 2022 Dec 15:373:577994. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577994. Epub 2022 Oct 28.

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.

Keywords: Aquaporin-4; Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders; Vaccination.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Aquaporin 4
  • Autoantibodies
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Neuromyelitis Optica* / drug therapy
  • Neuromyelitis Optica* / epidemiology
  • Neuromyelitis Optica* / etiology
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Autoantibodies
  • Aquaporin 4
  • Immunoglobulin G