First reported pediatric case of left internal carotid artery stenosis in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease

Background

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) mimics the clinical and imaging findings of small-vessel central nervous system (CNS) angiitis. An adult case of MOGAD causing right middle cerebral artery stenosis was reported in 2023. Here, we present the first reported pediatric case of left internal carotid artery stenosis in a patient with MOGAD.

Case presentation

A previously healthy 13-year-old boy presented with a two-day history of fever and headache. He experienced sudden focal-onset impaired awareness tonic seizures on the right side, with right ocular deviation. Seizure activity ceased within 5 min, but unconsciousness and paralysis of the right face and right upper extremity persisted on admission. There were no other abnormal neurological findings. Blood tests revealed mildly elevated levels of inflammatory markers. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed a normal protein level of 39.3 mg/dL but an elevated cell count of 154/µL and an oligoclonal band. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI sequences revealed hyperintensities in the left basal ganglia and left frontoparietal cortex. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed left internal carotid artery stenosis. Subsequently, MOGAD was diagnosed based on a positive MOG antibody test result. He received three courses of methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by oral prednisolone for 10 weeks. His symptoms, parenchymal brain lesions, and vascular stenosis all improved with treatment.

Discussion/Conclusion

MOGAD may be associated with vascular stenosis by inducing a perivascular immune response. MOGAD may mimic CNS angiitis, including that of medium- and large-sized vessels. The presence of vascular stenosis does not rule out MOGAD.