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Acute transverse myelitis, a possible vascular etiology
A Arlazoroff1, C Klein, N Blumen
1Department of Neurology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
Medical Hypotheses
|September 1, 1989
Summary
This study suggests a vascular cause for acute transverse myelitis in seven patients. Combined corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide treatment is proposed for severe, idiopathic cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a rare neurological disorder.
- Vascular pathogenesis is often considered but difficult to confirm in ATM.
- Systemic vasculitis can present with myelitis but usually involves other symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential vascular etiology of ATM in patients without typical risk factors.
- To propose a treatment strategy for severe ATM cases with unclear causes.
Main Methods:
- Case series presentation of seven patients with ATM.
- Clinical course analysis to infer pathogenesis.
- Review of risk factors and systemic symptoms.
Main Results:
- The clinical course in seven patients suggested a vascular pathogenesis for ATM.
- Absence of predisposing vascular risk factors and systemic symptoms was noted.
- Association with isolated central nervous system angiitis was hypothesized.
Conclusions:
- Isolated central nervous system angiitis may underlie some cases of ATM.
- Combined corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide therapy is recommended for severe, idiopathic ATM.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the vascular hypothesis and treatment efficacy.