MOG-IgG detection in serum and cerebrospinal fluid: diagnostic implications and clinical correlates in adult-onset Chinese MOGAD patients.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic significance and clinical features of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-restricted MOG-IgG in Chinese adults with MOG-IgG-associated disease (MOGAD), and to compare phenotypes across MOG-IgG statuses and ethnicities.

METHODS

Eighty-two adults with suspected inflammatory demyelinating diseases and positive MOG-IgG (serum and/or CSF) were retrospectively analyzed from 2014 to 2024. Patients were categorized into two groups based on MOG-IgG status: MOG-IgG Seropositive group (MOG-IgG Seropositive and CSF Negative) and CSF Positive group (MOG-IgG paired serum and CSF positive, CSF-restricted MOG-IgG). Clinical, radiological, and therapeutic features were evaluated. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of poor prognosis. Literatures on CSF-restricted MOG-IgG in different ethnicities were reviewed.

RESULTS

Six patients (7.3%) had CSF-restricted MOG-IgG, and 83.3% met MOGAD phenotypes. Optic neuritis was the most common presentation (54.8%), followed by cerebral cortical encephalitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Visual and motor impairments at onset were more frequent in the seropositive group. Independent risk factors for EDSS ≥ 3.0 included higher nadir EDSS score (OR: 2.39), visual impairment (OR: 10.94), and brainstem dysfunction (OR: 8.75).

CONCLUSIONS

CSF-restricted MOG-IgG defines a distinct MOGAD subgroup, supporting its diagnostic relevance. Visual and brainstem involvement predict worse outcomes. Larger, multiethnic prospective studies are warranted to refine diagnostic thresholds and clarify the role of intrathecal antibody production.