[Myelopathy associated with HTLV-1: clinical electrophysiologic study]

Clinical and electrophysiological studies have been performed in 9 cases of HTLV-I associated myelopathy (7 female, 2 male). Spastic paraparesis and neurogenic bladder were present in 8; sensory disturbances were detected only in 4. The conduction velocities of the posterior tibial and sural nerves were reduced in 2 cases. Median nerve SSEP revealed a delay of N11, N13, N14, N20 peak latencies and an increase of N9-N20, N13-N14 and N13-N20 interpeak latencies. The electrophysiological studies are the most accurate indicators of the diffuse involvement not only of central motor and sensory pathways but also of the peripheral nervous system.