Concurrent transverse myelitis and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Neuroinflammation

Background:

• Transverse myelitis (TM) and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) are distinct inflammatory neurological disorders.
• Concurrent presentation of TM and AIDP is rare, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a rare case of co-occurring transverse myelitis and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
• To highlight diagnostic features and review treatment strategies for this combined condition.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a woman in her 40s presenting with neurological deficits.
• Utilized spinal imaging (MRI) and neurophysiology studies.
• Reviewed literature on TM and AIDP diagnosis and treatment.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with thoracic sensory symptoms and lower motor neuron weakness.
• Spinal MRI confirmed transverse myelitis; neurophysiology indicated acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
• The patient showed improvement following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone.

Conclusions:

• Differentiating TM and AIDP relies on clinical presentation, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological findings.
• Combined TM and AIDP may require multimodal immunomodulatory treatment.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids can be effective in managing concurrent TM and AIDP.