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Left leg paralysis in a renal transplant
1Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA. medshj@ttuhsc.edu
Summary
Renal transplant patients can develop opportunistic infections. This case highlights a rare nocardial spinal cord abscess causing leg paralysis in a transplant recipient.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Postoperative complications in renal transplant recipients often include opportunistic infections.
- Nocardia species account for up to 4% of infections following transplantation.
Observation:
- A renal transplant patient developed an unusual spinal cord abscess.
- The abscess was caused by Nocardia species.
Findings:
- The nocardial spinal cord abscess resulted in significant neurological deficit.
- The patient experienced left leg paralysis due to the abscess.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Nocardia in the differential diagnosis of infections in renal transplant patients.
- Early recognition and treatment of Nocardia infections are crucial to prevent severe neurological complications.
- Highlights the need for vigilance regarding opportunistic infections in immunocompromised populations.