Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated aseptic meningitis without neurological parenchymal lesions: A novel phenotype

Abstract

Background: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies mediate inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. This study aimed to understand the clinical characteristics of MOG antibody-associated aseptic meningitis (MOGAM).

Methods: Here, we report the cases of two children with MOGAM. A systematic literature review was conducted and included patients who had MOGAM only, without neurological parenchymal lesions. The clinical characteristics that may have affected the outcome were statistically analyzed.

Results: We reviewed 12 cases of MOGAM; male: female = 9: 3. Prolonged fever lasting over 7 days (11/12) was the most frequent symptom, followed by headache (10/12), vomiting (5/12), and seizures (4/12). None of the patients had focal neurological manifestations or parenchymal lesions on imaging. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leukocytosis was observed in all patients (12/12), and blood leukocytosis and elevated CSF pressure was observed in all patients who had corresponding results (9/9 and 4/4, respectively). Seizures occurrence was lower than that of MOG antibody-associated cortical encephalitis. Seven cases progressed to other MOG antibody-associated diseases (MOGADs) in the later phase of MOGAM. Patients who did not progress to other MOGADs had a shorter disease duration from onset to the initiation of intravenous methylprednisolone than those who did. All the patients achieved full recovery after steroid treatment. One patient had relapses.

Conclusions: MOGAM without inflammatory demyelination is a rare but distinct phenotype of MOGAD, with fewer clinical manifestations mimicking bacterial or viral meningitis/encephalomeningitis. Delayed diagnosis and treatment may induce the progression to other severe MOGADs. Early recognition of this unique autoimmune aseptic meningitis may contribute to early diagnosis, treatment, and better outcomes.

Keywords: Autoimmune; MOG; Meningitis; Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein; Prolonged fever.