Anti-thyroid antibodies and cerebrospinal fluid findings in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

- TPOAb(+) and TGAb(+) were most frequent in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.
- LETM was more frequent in TPOAb(+) and TGAb(+) NMOSDs than TPOAb(−) and TGAb(−) NMOSDs.
- TPOAb(+) and CSF abnormalities may be possible predictors of the severity of SC lesions.

ObjectiveTo determine the differences of thyroid diseases and ATAbs in multiple sclerosis (MS) and NMOSDs, and to assess the independent impact factors of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) in NMOSDs.ResultsAnti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies-positive (TPOAb(+)) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies-positive (TGAb(+)) were most frequent in NMOSDs. LETM and lesions ≥ 6 vertebral segments were more frequent in TPOAb(+) NMOSDs than in TPOAb-negative (TPOAb(−)) NMOSDs. TGAb(+) NMOSDs with LETM were significantly more frequent than TGAb-negative (TGAb(−)) NMOSDs. TPOAb(+) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities were independently associated with LETM.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that ATAbs and thyroid diseases are significantly different in MS and NMOSD patients and CSs. TPOAb(+) and CSF abnormalities may be possible predictors of the severity of spinal cord lesions.