Related Experiment Videos
Ascending myelitis in association with herpes simplex virus. A case report
M Miyamoto1, Y Shirai, Y Genbun
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nippon Medical School.
Nihon Ika Daigaku Zasshi
|January 22, 1998
Summary
Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) myelitis can cause rapid neurological decline. Early diagnosis using myelin basic protein (MBP) and virological tests, followed by Acyclovir treatment, significantly improves patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Ascending necrotizing myelitis is a rare and aggressive neurological condition.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old man presented with rapidly progressing gait disturbance, leading to incomplete paraplegia.
- Symptoms included incontinence and drowsiness, indicating severe spinal cord involvement.
- Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) myelitis was suspected based on elevated serum HSV-1 IgG antibody titers.
Findings:
- Myelin basic protein (MBP) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were significantly elevated at 24.3 ng/ml.
- Treatment with Acyclovir resulted in substantial improvement in both general and neurological status.
- Post-treatment, serum HSV-1 IgG titers decreased 12-fold, and CSF MBP levels dropped to 3.3 ng/ml.
Implications:
- MBP measurement in CSF is a vital biomarker for diagnosing myelitis of unknown origin.
- Virological testing of CSF and serum aids in identifying viral causes like HSV.
- Prompt diagnosis and antiviral therapy are critical for managing severe cases of viral myelitis.