Paraneoplastic neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder associated with metastatic carcinoid expressing aquaporin-4.

Abstract

Reports of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) occurring in the setting of neoplasia suggest that aquaporin-4 autoimmunity may in some cases have a paraneoplastic basis. In this case report, we describe a patient with NMOSD whose test results were seropositive for aquaporin-4 IgG and who had a hepatic metastasis from a small-bowel neuroendocrine tumor. The tumor cells expressed aquaporin-4 immunoreactivity. She presented to the Neurology Department at Wayne State University with bilateral leg weakness, ascending paresthesias, and decreased sensation. This case extends the context of NMOSD as a paraneoplastic disorder.