Long-term outcome of natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in Austria: a nationwide retrospective study.

Background/objective: The use of natalizumab (NAT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) may be complicated by progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and life-threatening opportunistic brain infection. We aimed to analyze the course of MS after PML recovery together with the long-term outcome of NAT-associated PML (NAT-PML) in Austria.

Methods: Retrospective study based on identification of cases in the nationwide Austrian MS treatment registry (AMSTR) and MS centers with review of patient records.

Marathoning with myotonic dystrophy type 2 (proximal myotonic myopathy) and leukopenia.

Objectives: A mild, slowly progressive course of proximal myotonic myopathy, also known as myotonic dystrophy type 2, over years allowing the patient to continue with extreme sport activity, has been only rarely reported.

Methods: Case report.

Results: The patient is a 54-year-old female sport teacher who developed myotonia of the distal upper limbs at the age of 32 years.

Neuromyelitis optica in Austria in 2011: to bridge the gap between neuroepidemiological research and practice in a study population of 8.4 million people.

Background: In 2008 the Austrian Task Force for Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) started a nation-wide network for information exchange and multi-centre collaboration. Their aim was to detect all patients with NMO or NMO spectrum disorders (NMO-SD) in Austria and to analyse their disease courses and response to treatment.

Methods: (1) As of March 2008, 1957 serum samples (of 1557 patients) have been tested with an established cell based immunofluorescence aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-ab) assay with a high sensitivity and specificity (both >95%).