Uploaded May 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
During the 2024 NMOSD Together online event, Krissy Dilger of SRNA was joined by Dr. Elias Sotirchos of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Sotirchos answered the audience’s questions about neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), exploring common symptoms like optic neuritis and myelitis, and rarer symptoms like area postrema syndrome, while distinguishing NMOSD from other diseases such as MOG antibody disease and multiple sclerosis [00:02:00].
The discussion also addressed the ongoing revisions in diagnostic criteria and the complexity faced by patients and neurologists due to overlapping symptoms and antibody statuses [00:10:45]. Additionally, it highlighted FDA-approved treatments for NMOSD, mentioning accessible therapies for people who are aquaporin-4 antibody positive and the challenges faced by people who are seronegative [00:22:15]. The talk concluded by examining the future prospects for NMOSD, focusing on the potential for immune education and myelin repair therapies [00:34:10]. Please note that the information shared during this session is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
Elias Sotirchos, MD is a neurologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He specializes in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of neuroimmunological disorders that involve the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG)-associated disorder (MOGAD). His research focuses on developing and validating novel imaging and blood-based biomarkers of these conditions, and clinical trials of experimental therapeutic agents.
00:00 Introduction to NMOSD Diagnosis
01:23 Common Presentations of NMOSD
02:42 Distinguishing NMOSD from MOG Antibody Disease
04:55 FDA-Approved Treatments for NMOSD
07:29 Challenges with Seronegative NMOSD
10:03 Antibody Development and Immune Deficiency
16:37 Impact of Infections on NMOSD
21:37 Global Access to NMOSD Treatments
24:22 Diagnosing Sarcoidosis and NMOSD
26:46 Unusual Symptoms and Prodromal Phase in NMOSD
37:46 Choosing the Right Treatment for NMOSD
44:35 Future Directions: Cure and Repair for NMOSD
48:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
During the 2024 NMOSD Together online event, Krissy Dilger of SRNA was joined by Dr. Elias Sotirchos of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Sotirchos answered the audience’s questions about neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), exploring common symptoms like optic neuritis and myelitis, and rarer symptoms like area postrema syndrome, while distinguishing NMOSD from other diseases such as MOG antibody disease and multiple sclerosis [00:02:00].
The discussion also addressed the ongoing revisions in diagnostic criteria and the complexity faced by patients and neurologists due to overlapping symptoms and antibody statuses [00:10:45]. Additionally, it highlighted FDA-approved treatments for NMOSD, mentioning accessible therapies for people who are aquaporin-4 antibody positive and the challenges faced by people who are seronegative [00:22:15]. The talk concluded by examining the future prospects for NMOSD, focusing on the potential for immune education and myelin repair therapies [00:34:10]. Please note that the information shared during this session is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
Elias Sotirchos, MD is a neurologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He specializes in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of neuroimmunological disorders that involve the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG)-associated disorder (MOGAD). His research focuses on developing and validating novel imaging and blood-based biomarkers of these conditions, and clinical trials of experimental therapeutic agents.
00:00 Introduction to NMOSD Diagnosis
01:23 Common Presentations of NMOSD
02:42 Distinguishing NMOSD from MOG Antibody Disease
04:55 FDA-Approved Treatments for NMOSD
07:29 Challenges with Seronegative NMOSD
10:03 Antibody Development and Immune Deficiency
16:37 Impact of Infections on NMOSD
21:37 Global Access to NMOSD Treatments
24:22 Diagnosing Sarcoidosis and NMOSD
26:46 Unusual Symptoms and Prodromal Phase in NMOSD
37:46 Choosing the Right Treatment for NMOSD
44:35 Future Directions: Cure and Repair for NMOSD
48:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
