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Transverse myelitis associated with chronic viral hepatitis C
Leila Mouelhi1, Hayfa Mekki, Fatma Houissa
1Department of Gastroenterology, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
La Tunisie Medicale
|April 27, 2010
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to transverse myelitis, a rare spinal cord inflammation. Early HCV screening is crucial for patients with unexplained transverse myelitis to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with various extrahepatic manifestations, including mixed cryoglobulinemia.
- Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of mixed cryoglobulinemia, and transverse myelitis has also been linked to HCV infection.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male presented with motor deficits in the lower extremities and urinary retention.
- Neurological examination revealed spastic paraparesis and proprioceptive ataxia.
- Spinal MRI demonstrated contrast-enhancing lesions in the cervical spinal cord (C3-C5).
Findings:
- The patient tested positive for Hepatitis C virus serology and viremia.
- The clinical diagnosis was acute demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy associated with chronic Hepatitis C infection.
- This case highlights a potential etiological link between HCV and transverse myelitis.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that HCV infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of transverse myelitis.
- Screening for HCV infection is recommended in patients presenting with transverse myelitis of unknown etiology.
- Early identification of HCV may lead to prompt treatment and potentially improve neurological outcomes.
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