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[Eosinophilic meningomyelitis (author's transl)]
Abstract:
Eosinophilia of more than 50% was observed for a period of ten days in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient with acute meningomyelitis and paraplegia. Serologic studies suggested the simultaneous infection with mycoplasma pneumoniae and Coxsackie A 09 as being a likely cause of meningomyelitis. This case demonstrates that pronounced CSF eosinophilia may be observed for a short period in non-parasitic infections of the central nervous system. parasitic infestation may be assumed only when eosinophilia persists for several months.
Insights
Central nervous system infections can cause significant cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) eosinophilia. This pronounced eosinophil elevation in CSF is typically short-lived in non-parasitic cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Acute meningomyelitis is a severe neurological condition affecting the spinal cord and meninges.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial for diagnosing central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
- Eosinophilia in CSF is often associated with parasitic infections, but its role in other CNS conditions is less understood.
Observation:
- A patient presented with acute meningomyelitis and paraplegia, exhibiting over 50% eosinophils in their CSF for ten days.
- Serological tests indicated a concurrent infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Coxsackie A 09 as the probable cause.
Findings:
- This case highlights that significant CSF eosinophilia can occur transiently in non-parasitic CNS infections.
- The observed eosinophilia resolved within ten days, differentiating it from the prolonged eosinophilia seen in parasitic infestations.
Implications:
- The findings challenge the assumption that CSF eosinophilia exclusively indicates parasitic infections.
- Clinicians should consider non-parasitic etiologies, such as viral or bacterial infections, in cases of acute CNS inflammation with eosinophilic CSF.
- Differentiating between parasitic and non-parasitic causes of eosinophilia relies on the duration of the elevation.