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Case Reports
. 2018 Sep 28:2018:bcr2018225984.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-225984.

Neuromyelitis optica with unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis

Sami Bennji  1 , Diaeddin Sagar  2 , Naeem Brey  3 , Coenraad Koegelenberg  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Neuromyelitis optica with unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis

Sami Bennji et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

In this case report, we describe the course of a female patient who is known to have neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and developed left hemiparesis and unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. She was initially treated with intravenous methylprednisolone 1 g daily for 5 days without improvement. Subsequently, she received five sessions of a plasmapheresis. Her hemiparesis had improved after few days. however, the phrenic nerve palsy remained.

Keywords: neurology; respiratory system.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chest radiograph (posteroanterior view) showing the elevated left diaphragmatic dome.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(A) T2-weighted MRI image showing hyperintense lesion extending from the medulla to T6 was seen (arrows). (B) T1-weighted MRI image postcontrast studies showing multiple enhancing lesions in the medulla, upper and middle portions of the cervical cord, along with a lesion in the thoracic cord (arrows).
Figure 3
Figure 3
T2-weighted MRI transverse image at the level of C3 showing hyperdense lesions (arrow).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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