Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
08:47
Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice and Evaluation of the Disease-dependent Distribution of Immune Cells in Various Tissues
Published on: May 8, 2016
Acute transverse myelitis: a practical reappraisal
1Department of Neurology, Hospital S. João, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, Portugal. mjsa@med.up.pt
Autoimmunity Reviews
|April 25, 2009
Summary
Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is an inflammatory spinal cord disease causing motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment with corticosteroids are vital for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is an inflammatory spinal cord disorder.
- It presents with acute or subacute onset of motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction.
- Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, MRI, and CSF studies, excluding other myelopathies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the key aspects of idiopathic ATM.
- To highlight diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies.
- To differentiate ATM from other inflammatory myelopathies.
Main Methods:
- Review of established diagnostic criteria for idiopathic ATM.
- Emphasis on clinical manifestations, MRI, and CSF findings.
- Exclusion of differential diagnoses like cord compression and disease-associated ATM.
Main Results:
- Idiopathic ATM is characterized by bilateral spinal cord symptoms and focal inflammation.
- Patients experience rapid progression of neurological deficits.
- Most patients achieve partial or full recovery with timely treatment.
Conclusions:
- Prompt treatment with corticosteroids and symptomatic therapies is crucial for ATM management.
- Emerging biomarkers aid in distinguishing ATM from specific autoimmune conditions like NMO spectrum diseases.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...