Diagnosis and treatment of anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody positive optic neuritis

Anti-myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody positive optic neuritis has been established as a new subset of optic neuropathy. Anti-MOG antibodies are usually measured by cell-based assay. Patients with anti-MOG antibody positive optic neuritis respond well to steroid therapy, and, while visual acuity outcomes are favorable, significant visual field defects remain. Furthermore, patients who are anti-MOG antibody positive have higher rates of recurrence compared to antibody negative patients. Based on these findings, anti-MOG antibody positive patients with optic neuritis have the characteristics of good visual outcomes, residual visual field defects, and high risk of recurrence. Tests for anti-MOG antibody are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of optic neuritis.