1
Q
MUO vs MUA vs MUE
A
MUO = meningoencephalitis of unknown origin
MUA/E = meningoencephalitis of unknown aetiology
= the same thing
2
Q
What is meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin?
A
- MUO with spinal cord signs
3
Q
What is MUO?
A
- an autoimmune inflammatory dz affecting the parenchyma of the brain
- it is usually not limited to the spinal cord and also affects the brain, so is usually considered meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin
4
Q
Presentation
A
- the pathology is usually multifocal therefore usually presents with multifocal lesion localisation
- it is likely to present as a progressive neurological dysfunction which can occur at any age
5
Q
Diagnosis
A
- lesions can be seen on MRI but MRI is not definitively diagnostic
- CSF may show a mixed pleocytosis, but is also not definitively diagnostic
6
Q
Treatment
A
- long term course of corticosteroids at immunosuppressive doses in combination with other immunosuppressive agents such as cytosine arabinoside
- lomustine and cyclosporin have also been used
7
Q
Prognosis
A
- response to therapy is variable
– 1/3 dead by 3w
– 1/3 dead by 3m
– 1/3 alive at 3y - some dogs may need corticosteroids for very extended periods, or even indefinite
- there can be recurrences at long intervals
