The spectrum of psychosis in multiple sclerosis: a clinical case series

Psychosis in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS) has previously been reported as a rare occurrence. However, recent epidemiological studies have found prevalence rates of psychosis in MS that are two to three times higher than those in the general population. Untreated psychosis in patients with MS can adversely impact on adherence to MS medication, levels of disability, and quality of life. This retrospective case series describes the spectrum of psychotic disorders occurring in association with MS using demographic, clinical, and neuroimaging data. In the discussion, we highlight the particular diagnostic and treatment challenges that such disorders can pose for clinicians and through our case vignettes provide examples of potential interventions for this complex patient population

Tuberculous orbital apex syndromes.

AIMS: To describe the clinical and radiological features of orbital apex syndromes caused by presumed tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: A review of the discharge summaries of all patients seen in the Medical Eye Unit (MEU), St Thomas' Hospital between 1975 and 2006 identified seven patients with a diagnosis of orbital apex syndrome or optic neuropathy attributable to TB. Case notes and radiology were reviewed retrospectively for each patient. RESULTS: All of the patients were born outside the UK and were HIV-negative. Four presented during 2005-6. Six of the seven patients presented with a visual acuity (VA) of less than counting fingers (CF), but all achieved a VA of 6/9 or better after a median 3 weeks of treatment with antituberculous treatment and systemic corticosteroids. All patients had constitutional symptoms. Chest x ray and CSF were normal in each case, but MRI was abnormal in six. CONCLUSIONS: We report a recent cluster of tuberculous orbital apex syndromes, in the context of an increasing incidence of TB in the UK. The condition is difficult to diagnose, but the combination of high-dose corticosteroids and anti-TB medication was rapidly effective and achieved a good outcome in all cases

The spectrum of psychosis in multiple sclerosis: a clinical case series

Thomas G Gilberthorpe,1 Kara E O’Connell,2,3 Alison Carolan,1 Eli Silber,4 Peter A Brex,4 Naomi A Sibtain,4 Anthony S David3 1Department of Liaison Psychiatry, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK; 2Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; 3Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, 4Department of Neurology, Kings College Hospital, London, UK Abstract: Psychosis in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS) has previously been reported as a rare occurrence. However, recent epidemiological studies have found prevalence rates of psychosis in MS that are two to three times higher than those in the general population. Untreated psychosis in patients with MS can adversely impact on adherence to MS medication, levels of disability, and quality of life. This retrospective case series describes the spectrum of psychotic disorders occurring in association with MS using demographic, clinical, and neuroimaging data. In the discussion, we highlight the particular diagnostic and treatment challenges that such disorders can pose for clinicians and through our case vignettes provide examples of potential interventions for this complex patient population. Keywords: psychosis, multiple sclerosis, neuropsychiatric, cognitive, schizophrenia-like, demyelinatio