Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in Algeria: A preliminary study in the region of Tizi Ouzou

•NMOSD is found to be rare in Algeria, 08 cases over 232 optico-spinal syndromes (3.4%) met the 2015 criteria of the IPND.•Young women are preferentially affected with a relapsing-remitting course.•Negative AQP4-IgG status (62.5%) is frequent.•37/232 (16%) Patients are suspected to be part of the spectrum of NMO and have a frequent monophasic evolution pattern.•The present study is the first discussing NMOSD in Algeria.

BackgroundNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a disabling inflammatory condition that targets astrocytes in the optic nerves and spinal cord. Recent advances led to the individualization of a set of conditions now referred as NMO spectrum disorder (NMOSD).ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence and characteristics of NMO SD in north Algeria.Patients and methodsThe present study is a retrospective and descriptive work which took place in Nedir Mohamed teaching hospital, Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria. 938 Medical files of patients with CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases were reviewed then patients with optic neuritis and/or myelitis were preselected. Patients who met the 2015 neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders criteria were selected and analyzedResults08 Patients (3.4%) met the 2015 criteria for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, 3/8 (37.5%) were positive to AQ4-IgG and 5/8 (62.5%) were negative. Mean age of onset was 29 years, female to male ratio was 3:1, cerebral MRI was normal in 75% of cases and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis was present in 75% of cases. 37/232 Patients (15.9%) were considered at high risk of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disordersConclusionThe present study suggests that the spectrum of NMO disorders is a rare entity among patients with optic nerve and spinal cord demyelinating lesions in north Algeria. However, the lack of accurate AQ4-IgG test certainly underestimates its real prevalence.