A diagnostic challenge of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in a young woman with recurrent urinary symptoms
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Abdul Rahman Mohammad 1 , Juliawati Muhammad 1 * , Ying Ying Ng 1 , Ahmad Hadif Zaidin Samsudin 2
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1 Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, MALAYSIA2 Department of Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, MALAYSIA* Corresponding Author

Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare, severe inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, identified with the discovery of aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G antibodies. Its ability to mimic other conditions often leads to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. We report a 25-year-old woman with recurrent urinary tract infection symptoms. Despite antibiotics, her condition worsened with progressive myelitis symptoms such as urinary retention, back pain and lower limbs weakness. She was admitted to further imaging and blood investigations that confirmed NMOSD diagnosis. With appropriate treatment, she improved significantly. This is the diagnostic challenges of NMOSD in primary care. It is important to explore other symptoms such as neurological features as myelitis, in patients with recurrent urinary symptoms. Early recognition and intervention can substantially improve outcomes and quality of life.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Case Report

ELECTRON J GEN MED, Volume 23, Issue 3, June 2026, Article No: em731

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/18346

Publication date: 01 May 2026

Online publication date: 11 Apr 2026

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Article Downloads: 10

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