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Posttraumatic ascending myelopathy after spinal cord injury in a young man: A case report

Mostafa Esmaeilnia1, Mona Asadi2, Hussein Sharara3

  • 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran.

Clinical Case Reports
|August 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

A spinal cord injury led to a rare Alkaligenes spp. infection, causing ascending myelopathy. Despite treatment, the patient experienced persistent neurological deficits and cervical cord changes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Spinal Cord Medicine

Background:

  • Spinal cord injuries can lead to secondary complications beyond the initial trauma.
  • Ascending myelopathy is a serious neurological condition that can arise after spinal cord injury.
  • Infections following spinal cord injury can complicate recovery and worsen outcomes.

Observation:

  • A 29-year-old male presented with subacute ascending myelopathy 5 days post-spinal cord injury.
  • The patient developed a fever, and blood cultures identified an Alkaligenes spp. infection.
  • Neurological deficits persisted despite antibiotic and high-dose corticosteroid treatment.

Findings:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed cervical cord atrophy and swelling.
  • The clinical presentation suggests a severe inflammatory and infectious process affecting the spinal cord.
  • Alkaligenes spp. infection may be a significant factor in the progression of post-traumatic myelopathy.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for unusual bacterial infections to cause severe neurological sequelae after spinal cord injury.
  • Early identification and aggressive management of infections are crucial in spinal cord injury patients.
  • Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis of Alkaligenes spp. infections in the context of spinal cord injury and to optimize treatment strategies.
Keywords:
neurologic deteriorationrare conditionspinal cordvertebrae fracture

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