Ruxolitinib treatment in a patient with neuromyelitis optica: A case report

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare relapsing autoimmune demyelinating disease of the CNS that predominantly affects the optic nerves and the spinal cord.1 Because of the severity and poor recovery of attacks, aggressive immunosuppressive agents are used early in the clinical course to reduce relapse frequency. Apart from classical immunosuppressant agents, biologicals such as rituximab, eculizumab, or tocilizumab have been used for relapse prevention.2 Based on retrospective data, 17–53% of patients have break-through relapses under the most commonly used treatments azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, or rituximab.3