Multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica and antiphospholipid syndrome from the differential diagnostic point of view of a neurologist
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system which leads to a various range of disability of patients over the course of the disease. Nowadays, early treatment can significantly delay the onset of disability and improve patient's quality of life.
Initiation of adequate treatment in the time of first clinical manifestations (clinically isolated syndrome) is vital to influence the course of the disease. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is based on dissemination in time and space; however, exclusion of other disorders which might manifest with the same clinical signs is of equal importance.
In this article, we mainly focus on distinction between multiple sclerosis and other syndromes involving CNS which might, due to their clinical picture, mimic multiple sclerosis and lead to a false diagnosis and treatment. These include neuromyelitis optica (also known as Devic disease) and antiphospholipid syndrome.