Immune-Mediated Myelopathies

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Immune-mediated myelopathies are conditions in which the immune system attacks the spinal cord. This article describes the distinguishing characteristics of immune-mediated myelopathies and treatment strategies for patients affected by these disorders. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS New biomarkers, such as aquaporin 4 and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies, in the blood and spinal fluid have led to the identification of antigen-specific immune-mediated myelopathies and approved therapies to prevent disease progression. ESSENTIAL POINTS The first step in the diagnosis of an immune-mediated myelopathy is confirming that the immune system is the cause of the attack by excluding non–immune-mediated causes. The second step is to narrow the differential diagnosis based on objective biomarkers such as serology and MRI patterns. The third step is to treat the specific immune-mediated myelopathy by using evidence-based medicine.