Successful Natalizumab Treatment of Two Female Individuals With Susac Syndrome.
Agni M Konitsioti, Rafael Grajewski, Mark Schlamann, Michael Schroeter, Gereon R Fink, Clemens Warnke
European Journal of Neurology March 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/ene.70103 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2 |
| Population | Patients with Susac syndrome |
| Intervention | Natalizumab |
| Duration | Up to 22 months of follow-up |
| Topics | DMT |
| Keywords | Disease-modifying therapy MRI Neuroimmunology Neuroinflammation Neuroopthalmology Vasculitis Susac syndrome |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Natalizumab treatment led to clinical stabilization and reduced MRI and retinal angiography disease activity in two patients with Susac syndrome. |
Abstract
Susac syndrome is a rare autoimmune endotheliopathy that affects the central nervous system, retina, and inner ear, characterized by encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusions, and sensorineural hearing loss. Due to the heterogeneity of its presentation, early diagnosis, and treatment remain challenging. To evaluate the clinical outcomes and radiological responses in two patients with Susac syndrome treated with natalizumab in an off-label therapeutic approach, clinical assessments and serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed over a follow-up period of up to 22 months to monitor disease progression and treatment response. Both patients demonstrated clinical stabilization with reduced MRI and retinal angiography disease activity. Treatment was well tolerated, and no significant adverse events were reported during observation. Natalizumab may constitute a potential off-label therapeutic for Susac syndrome. Further studies are warranted to assess its efficacy and safety in this rare condition.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on DMT, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A fatal intoxication following the ingestion of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in an ayahuasca preparation. 25-year-old white male | 2005 | Case study | n = 1 |
| A case report SPECT study and theoretical rationale for the sequential administration of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. 31-year-old male military veteran with moderate alcohol use disorder | 2018 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Acute Intoxication following Dimethyltryptamine Ingestion Patient with history of schizophrenia who ingested ayahuasca tea | 2018 | Case study | n = 1 |
| A Physician’s Attempt to Self-Medicate Bipolar Depression with N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) A physician with refractory bipolar depression | 2017 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Reply to “Ayahuasca turned on my mind’s eye”: A case of acquired versus congenital aphantasia, as evidenced with DMT use? Individual with apparent congenital aphantasia | 2018 | Case study | n = 1 |