Systemic and ocular manifestations of Anti‐MOG disease in Canada

Purpose: There is limited published data on anti‐MOG disease in Canada. The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of the ophthalmic and neurological manifestations of anti‐MOG disease in adults living in a Canadian setting through a retrospective/prospective chart review. Methods: Data from standard of care ophthalmic and neurological assessments was collected for patients who were diagnosed with Anti‐MOG disease at a quaternary care teaching hospital. Results: Nineteen patients diagnosed with Anti‐MOG disease were identified. Of these, 70% were female and 30% were male, with ages ranging from 18 to 82 years old. On ocular examination the majority of eyes had normal visual acuity (87%). Three eyes were hand motion or no light perception. On fundus examination, 84% of participants presented with optic disc abnormalities with the most common findings being disc atrophy and temporal pallor. In patients affected with Anti‐MOG with decreased visual acuity, pattern Visual Evoked Potentials were significantly reduced in amplitude. Other than the initial optic neuritis, half of participants experienced no additional neurological effects, while the others experienced variable residual symptoms such as scintillating scotomas, recurrent mild paresthesia of both legs, seizures, urinary urgency, oscillopsia and neuropathic pain. Of the 15 participants with recent MRI results, 67% showed persistent hyperintense T2 abnormalities while 22% showed resolution of prior T2 abnormalities. Conclusions: The initial results of this study match existing literature for anti‐MOG disease. Optic nerve atrophy and temporal pallor are commonly found ocular signs in patients with anti‐MOG. Interestingly, patients were found to have persistent decreased VEP amplitudes with normal inner and outer retinal function. Overall, the ophthalmic and neurological findings were variable between participants. Study recruitment is ongoing.