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HTLV-I-associated myelopathy and polymyositis in a US native
B K Evans1, I Gore, L E Harrell
1Department of Neurology, University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine.
Neurology
|December 1, 1989
Summary
The first US-native patient with Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I) infection presented with myelopathy and polymyositis. This case highlights HTLV-I as a cause of neurological disease in the US.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I) infection is endemic in certain regions, often associated with neurological disorders like HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM).
- Polymyositis is an inflammatory myopathy characterized by muscle inflammation and weakness.
Observation:
- A patient residing in the US with HTLV-I infection exhibited chronic myelopathy mimicking amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
- Diagnostic studies revealed anterior horn cell disease, but muscle biopsy indicated denervation and inflammatory myopathy.
Findings:
- Serum tests confirmed positive HTLV-I antibodies, and HTLV-I DNA was detected in peripheral leukocytes.
- This marks the first reported case of a US-native individual with co-occurring HTLV-I-associated myelopathy and polymyositis.
Implications:
- This case expands the known geographical distribution of HTLV-I-associated neurological conditions.
- It underscores the importance of considering HTLV-I infection in patients presenting with myelopathy and inflammatory myopathy, even in non-endemic regions like the US.