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OBJECTIVE:

To analyze changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of spinal cord lesions in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and the correlation between segmental length of spinal cord lesions and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores.

METHODS:

Twenty-five patients with confirmed NMO were examined from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China. The information collected included their treatment, MRI, laboratory tests, and EDSS scores at different stages.

RESULTS:

All cases exhibited spinal cord lesions, with 23 (92%) having longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (extending ≥ 3 vertebral segments). There was positive correlation between segmental length of spinal cord lesions and EDSS scores: during the acute phase, r = 0.430 (P = 0.032); during remission, r = 0.605 (P = 0.002). Enlarged spinal cord lesions and swelling were found in eighteen cases (72%) during the acute phase, and four cases (16%, P = 0.000) after 6 months of treatment. Lesion enhancement was found in seventeen cases (68%) during the acute phase, and eight cases (32%, P = 0.023) 6 months of treatment. Leptomeningeal enhancement was found in three cases during the acute phase, which disappeared after treatment. Atrophy of spinal cord lesions occurred in two cases. Changes in lesions were statistically significant (P = 0.006) 12 months of treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Positive correlation was found between segmental length of spinal cord lesions and EDSS scores, which was more significant during remission. After 6 months of regular treatment, restorative changes compared with the acute phase were found by MRI.