hematologist

[Bethtrn]

I was mistaken about my daughter being referred to a rheumatologist. She is being referred to a hematologist to have the anticardiolipin antibody test. I will say that her MRI done in late July was positive for active and inactive lesions and the lumbar puncture showed the O...Bands. If a positive diagnosis has been made and she has already started on DMD, why see this specialist? Is this wasting hard earned money or is this just part of the diagnosis (although a diagnosis has already been made. I apologize for any confusion.

[sllowe]

No confusion at all.

I read your other post, and it makes perfect sense to see the hematol. Definitely keep the appointment. It's important to have all mimics ruled out, and her doctor is doing the right thing by referring you there.

She sounds like me, positive on the MRIs, and tap. The DMDs are the only option where MS is concerned, but the APS can be treated and resolved. So, it's good to know if you are dealing with just one, one or the other, or both.

Glad to have you with us.
-Shell

[COBOB]

They can.  OC-Bands indicate antibody synthesis in the CNS that is different from the antibody synthesis in the rest of the body,  That is really all it means, so there are other CNS immune conditions that can cause OC-Bands in CSF.

Bob

[Bethtrn]

Do the O-Bands appear on the lumbar puncture with Behcet's disease and Systemic Lupus? Thanks!

[COBOB]

At a guess, I think they might be doing the ACA to rule out Antiphospholipid syndrome, a known MS mimic.  There may have been something in her history that triggered the neurologist to rule this out.  ACA is also associated with Behçet's disease and Systemic Lupus.

Bob