Related Experiment Videos
Acute transverse myelitis caused by ECHO virus type 18 infection
S Takahashi1, A Miyamoto, J Oki
1Department of Paediatrics, Asahiwaka Medical College, Japan.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|May 1, 1995
Summary
This case study reports the first instance of acute transverse myelitis in a boy, linked to ECHO virus type 18. The diagnosis was confirmed through clinical signs, MRI, and viral detection in cerebrospinal fluid.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a rare neurological disorder affecting the spinal cord.
- Enteroviruses are a common cause of viral infections, but their role in ATM is less understood.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old male presented with acute quadriplegia, sensory deficits, and autonomic dysfunction (bowel/urinary issues).
- Cervical spinal cord MRI revealed diffuse T2 hyperintensity and contrast enhancement, indicative of myelitis.
- Enterovirus RNA was detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via RT-PCR.
- A significant rise in serum neutralizing antibodies against ECHO virus type 18 was observed.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation and diagnostic findings strongly supported acute transverse myelitis.
- ECHO virus type 18 was identified as the causative agent through molecular and serological evidence.
Implications:
- This case establishes ECHO virus type 18 as a novel cause of acute transverse myelitis.
- Highlights the importance of considering enteroviral infections in the differential diagnosis of pediatric myelitis.
- Suggests further research into the neurotropic potential of specific enterovirus serotypes.