Related Experiment Videos
[Mite allergy and neural damage]
1Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University.
Abstract:
The number of adult patients with atopic disorders is increasing in Japan. We recently reported the occurrence of myelitis in patients with atopic diathesis (atopic myelitis). The characteristic features of myelitis with atopic diathesis are: (1) paresthesia/dysesthesia as the predominant symptom, (2) mild and infrequent, if any, muscle weakness, (3) preferential involvement of the cervical cord, (4) persistence of neurologic symptoms and MRI lesions, (5) hyperIgEaemia, (6) mite antigen-specific IgE in serum, and (7) normal cerebrospinal fluid findings. The spinal cord lesions show eosinophilic inflammation on biopsy. We also found an association of Hirayama disease, juvenile muscular atrophy of the distal upper limb, with atopic diathesis. In children, poliomyelitis-like illness following asthma attacks is well known as Hopkins syndrome. These three conditions suggest a link between atopic diathesis and the development of spinal cord disease.
Insights
Atopic diathesis, a condition linked to allergies, is increasingly associated with spinal cord diseases in adults, including atopic myelitis and Hirayama disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
Context:
- Rising incidence of atopic disorders in Japan.
- Previous report on myelitis in patients with atopic diathesis (atopic myelitis).
- Observed association between Hirayama disease and atopic diathesis.
Purpose:
- To characterize myelitis associated with atopic diathesis.
- To explore the link between atopic diathesis and spinal cord diseases.
Summary:
- Atopic myelitis presents with predominant sensory symptoms, mild weakness, cervical cord lesions, persistent neurological deficits, hyper-IgE, and mite-specific IgE.
- Spinal cord lesions in atopic myelitis exhibit eosinophilic inflammation.
- Conditions like Hirayama disease and Hopkins syndrome in children further suggest a connection between atopic diathesis and spinal cord pathology.
Impact:
- Highlights a potential autoimmune or inflammatory pathway linking atopy to neurological conditions.
- Suggests atopic diathesis as a significant factor in the development of specific myelopathies.
- Provides a basis for further research into the pathogenesis and treatment of these associated neurological disorders.