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[Myelopathy: clinical considerations and etiological aspects]
José Correia de Farias Brito1, Paulo Virgolino da Nóbrega
1Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|November 5, 2003
Summary
This study analyzed 97 myelopathy patients, finding transverse myelitis and spinal cord compression as leading causes. Spinal cord schistosomiasis was a frequent cause of transverse myelitis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Context:
- A retrospective study was conducted at the University Hospital Lauro Wanderley between 1985 and 2002.
- The study included 97 inpatients diagnosed with myelopathy, with ages ranging from 10 to 78 years.
Purpose:
- To investigate the etiological profile and epidemiological characteristics of myelopathy in inpatients.
- To identify the most prevalent causes and lesion locations associated with myelopathy.
Summary:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and immunofluorescence reactions were performed in a subset of patients.
- Radiological investigations, including radiography, CT, and MRI, were utilized to assess spinal cord lesions.
- Lesions were predominantly located in the lower dorsal and lumbar regions, with transverse lesions being common.
Impact:
- Transverse myelitis (43.2%) and spinal cord compression (15.46%) were the most frequent diagnoses.
- Spinal cord schistosomiasis was identified as the most common cause of transverse myelitis (13.4%).
- Findings contribute to understanding myelopathy causes in endemic regions and inform diagnostic and treatment strategies.