Transverse myelitis following mumps in an adult -- a case report with MRI correlation

This is a case report of the 2nd oldest patient reported in the literature with transverse myelitis after mumps, and the 1st with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlation. He is a 38-year-old Chinese man presenting with bilateral lower limb weakness and numbness, and urinary retention starting 3 weeks after an attack of mumps parotitis. Clinically, there was mild lower limb paresis, absent plantar responses and reduced pain sensation below the umbilicus. MRI revealed cord swelling and increased T2 signal from T7 to T11. Cerebrospinal fluid showed 23 cells/mm3 and 55 mg protein/dl. He received a 5-day course of intravenous methylprednisolone 0.5 g/d. The sensory and motor deficits improved over 2 weeks; urinary symptoms improved over the next year. Transverse myelitis following mumps is recognizable clinically and radiologically, and potentially responsive to methylprednisolone.