Late onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (LONMOSD) from a nationwide Portuguese study: Anti-AQP4 positive, anti-MOG positive and seronegative subgroups.

Introduction: Several neuroimmunological disorders have distinct phenotypes according to the age of onset, as in multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis. It is also described that late onset NMOSD (LONMOSD) has a different phenotype.

Objective: To describe the clinical/demographic characteristics of the LONMOSD and distinguish them from those with early onset (EONMOSD).

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A nationwide Portuguese clinical epidemiological study.

Introduction: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare disorder in which astrocyte damage and/or demyelination often cause severe neurological deficits.

Objective: To identify Portuguese patients with NMOSD and assess their epidemiological/clinical characteristics.

Methods: This was a nationwide multicenter study.

Plasma exchange in severe acute relapses of multiple sclerosis - Results from a Portuguese cohort.

Background: Relapses in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are often associated with significant disability impairment which is resultant from poor response to corticosteroids. In such severe cases, plasma exchange (PLEX) may be used, although only a few studies with MS patients have been reported. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of PLEX in severe relapses of MS.

Neurosonology Accuracy for Isolated Acute Vestibular Syndromes.

Objectives: The clinical approach to acute vestibular syndromes is often complex for the physician. Neurosonology offers a noninvasive method to study the cervicocephalic circulation when a vascular etiology is suspected. We aim to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a vascular neurosonological exam in isolated acute vestibular syndrome.

Neuromyelitis optica in Portugal (NEMIPORT) - A multicentre study.

Background: Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS. There have been few epidemiologic studies on NMO, none in Portugal.

Objective: To analyze the clinical, biological and MRI characteristics from a cohort of Portuguese patients who fulfilled the Wingerchuk 2006 NMO/NMOSD criteria.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treated with alemtuzumab.

A 69-year-old Caucasian woman with a 15-year history of refractory chronic lymphocytic B-cell leukaemia (CLL), treated with alemtuzumab in the past 10 months presented with a subacute right foot drop. Initial evaluation with a brain CT scan, lumbosacral MRI, nerve conduction studies and LP was negative. In the following months, progressive right hemibody weakness and dysarthria developed.

[Atrial fibrillation in cerebrovascular disease: national neurological perspective].

Background: Cardioembolism due to atrial fibrillation assumes a dominant etiologic role in cerebrovascular diseases due to its growing incidence, high embolic risk and particular aspects of clinical events caused. Our objectives are to analyze the frequency of atrial fibrillation in patients with ischemic stroke, study the vital and functional impact of stroke due to different etiologies and evaluate antithrombotic options before and after stroke.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including patients admitted in a central hospital due to ischemic stroke in 2010 (at least one year of follow-up).