Myelitis associated with influenza A virus infection.
We report a patient presenting with myelitis after respiratory symptoms. A high level of antibodies to influenza A virus was measured in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and the serum/CSF antibody ratio was 1.7, suggesting specific antibody production in the central nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal canal showed a contrast-enhanced swelling on the cervical medulla. Such a case would have warranted the use of antiviral therapy and calls to mind the neurotropic potential of influenza A viruses.
Salonen
O
O
Department of Radiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Koshkiniemi
M
M
Saari
A
A
Myllylä
V
V
Pyhälä
R
R
Airaksinen
L
L
Vaheri
A
A
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000821:virology; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications* / Q000821:virology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009187:Myelitis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000821:virology; D014766:Viremia / Q000821:virology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral