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Journal of Pediatric Neurology
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788292
Case Report

Area Postrema Syndrome as the Onset of Neuromyelitis Optica in a Pediatric Patient: Case Report

Juan M. Mancera-Alzate 
1   Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital Universitario del Valle, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
,
Taina Y. Brito-Hurtado 
2   Department of Pediatric, Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario del Valle, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
,
Christian A. Rojas-Ceron 
3   Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hospital Universitario del Valle, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
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Abstract

Area postrema syndrome, characterized by nausea, emesis, and persistent hiccups can be the initial manifestation of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system.

We report a 4-year-old girl who presented with intractable vomiting that was noted to have signs of demyelination in the area postrema. MRI of the spine revealed longitudinally extensive myelitis in the cervical and thoracic spine. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) was suspected. Serum anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies were positive. Oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid were negative.

NMOSDs are extremely rare in the pediatric population, this being the second case reported in Colombia. It is crucial to consider the possibility of such neurological disorders in the setting of intractable vomiting.

Keywords

neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder - area postrema - myelitis - spinal cord inflammation


Publication History

Received: 20 August 2023

Accepted: 09 June 2024

Article published online:
07 August 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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