HTLV-I viral-associated myelopathy after blood transfusion in a multiple trauma patient.
This may be the first documented case in the United States and in the orthopedic literature of transfusion-transmitted human T-cell leukemia virus Type I (HTLV-I)-associated myelopathy (HAM). Progressive myelopathy occurred in a 58-year-old white man with serologic and molecular evidence of HTLV-I infection after multiple trauma and subsequent transfusion with multiple units of banked blood products. Symptoms of myelopathy occurred 15 months after the transfusions. Myelopathy from HTLV-I infection simulates a disorder of orthopedic interest. Physicians should be aware of the symptoms of HAM and unexplained myelopathy.
Delamarter
R B
RB
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine 90024.
Carr
J
J
Saxton
E H
EH
D015481:HTLV-I Antibodies / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D015490:HTLV-I Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000628:therapy*; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000209:etiology*; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
D015481:HTLV-I Antibodies