Case report: transverse myelitis associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection.
Transverse myelitis is a rare complication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. This article describes a case of a previously healthy patient with a subacute transverse myelopathy. The cerebrospinal fluid showed lymphocytic pleocytosis and protein elevation. A magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrated abnormal spinal cord signal intensity over several cervical and thoracic segments, suggesting the diagnosis of transverse myelitis. The patient was treated with high-dose corticosteroids and had a rapid improvement. Serologic studies for other viruses were negative; antibody tests indicated acute EBV infection. It is thought this represents a case of transverse myelitis associated with acute EBV infection. Although a few similar patients have been reported previously, this case is the first where EBV serology suggested the etiology at the time of diagnosis, when EBV antibody titers and polymerase-chain reaction for EBV DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid were performed, and when a magnetic resonance imaging scan was used for diagnosis and follow-up.
Caldas
C
C
Department of Internal Medicine, Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75235-8859.
Bernicker
E
E
Nogare
A D
AD
Luby
J P
JP
D000328:Adult; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000150:complications*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009188:Myelitis, Transverse / Q000209:etiology*; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000150:complications*
D004279:DNA, Viral