Walsh & Hoyt: Epidemiology

Neuromyelitis optica occurs primarily in children and young adults, but all ages may be affected, and the condition can occur in patients over 60 years of age. Both genders may be affected, although more recent case series have included a predominance of women. Neuromyelitis optica does not seem to be inherited, either through Mendelian or mitochondrial transmission, although McAlpine reported it in monozygotic twins. Although most patients who develop this condition are otherwise healthy, neuromyelitis optica was reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Hainfellner et al. reported the case of a previously healthy 40-year-old woman who developed both neuromyelitis optica and myelinoclastic diffuse sclerosis (Schilders disease). This case gives some credence to those who believe that both disorders are variants of MS.