New Diagnostic Criteria for Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Soo Hyun Park, MD, Nam Hee Kim, MD, PhD
Department of Neurology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
Precise differential diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS) is critical because
treatment and prognosis are distinct and disease modifying treatment of MS can aggravate
NMO. The discovery of disease-specific aquaporin-4 antibody has facilitated differentiation of NMO
from MS and recognition of a broader phenotypic spectrum referred to as neuromyelitis optica spectrum
disorder (NMOSD). However, distinguishing NMOSD from MS remains challenging, as there is
still an interface between seronegative NMOSD and MS. Diagnostic criteria have evolved to improve
differentiation and early detection of MS and NMOSD. This review will focus on new guidelines for
the diagnosis of patients who are suspected of having MS or NMOSD.
Journal of Multiple Sclerosis 8(2):24-30, 2017
