Convergence spasm due to aquaporin-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Abstract

A female 27 presented with nausea and diplopia for 1 week. On examination she had normal vertical gaze but would develop convergence with miosis whenever she made horizontal saccades. Pupils were 6 mm and unreactive to light. MRI showed extensive hyperintensity in the dorsal midbrain and thalamus. Spinal MRI and CSF were both normal. Serum aquaporin-4-antibody was positive. She was treated with steroids and plasmapheresis and after 3 months convergence spasm resolved but pupils remained unreactive. Neuromyelitis optica often presents with brainstem signs, rarely a dorsal midbrain syndrome. Convergence spasm is occasionally of organic neurologic origin.

Keywords

• Convergence spasm
• Neuromyelitis optica
• Aquaporin 4 antibody