Recurrent transverse myelitis, myasthenia gravis, and autoantibodies.
A 45-year-old man with a longstanding diagnosis of myasthenia gravis presented with four episodes of transverse myelitis in 5 years. Each episode improved after treatment with steroids. Laboratory studies revealed no evidence of multiple sclerosis or a structural spinal lesion. He had antinuclear and anti-DNA antibodies and the HLA-A1, B8, DR3 haplotype known to be associated with certain autoimmune diseases. We propose an autoimmune cause for the recurrent episodes of myelitis.
Lindsey
J W
JW
Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University Medical Center, CA 94305-5235.
Albers
G W
GW
Steinman
L
L
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000276:immunology*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006239:Haplotypes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D009188:Myelitis, Transverse / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012008:Recurrence
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D006680:HLA Antigens