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[Acute transverse myelitis and primary antiphospholipid syndrome]
F Sebastián de la Cruz1, F J Romero Ganuza, F la Banda Brusi
1Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Toledo.
Medicina Clinica
|September 26, 1992
Summary
A rare case of acute transverse myelitis, presenting as anterior spinal artery syndrome, was diagnosed as primary antiphospholipid syndrome due to high anticardiolipin antibodies. This infrequent association highlights a critical diagnostic challenge in neurology.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Acute transverse myelitis is a rare neurological disorder characterized by inflammation across spinal cord segments.
- Anterior spinal artery syndrome is a severe form of myelitis with poor prognosis.
- Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) is an autoimmune disorder associated with thrombotic events.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old woman presented with acute transverse myelitis mimicking anterior spinal artery syndrome.
- Clinical presentation included rapid onset of motor and sensory deficits.
- Neurological examination revealed signs consistent with spinal cord ischemia.
Findings:
- Etiologic investigation revealed significantly high titers of anticardiolipin antibodies.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus was excluded due to insufficient diagnostic criteria.
- The diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid syndrome was established.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering antiphospholipid syndrome in the differential diagnosis of myelitis, even without typical lupus features.
- Early diagnosis and management of PAPS can potentially prevent recurrent thrombotic events.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms linking PAPS and transverse myelitis.