[Acute infectious myelitis].
BACKGROUND
Acute myelitis is a clinical condition affecting the motor, sensor or autonomic function of the spinal cord. The etiology is often unknown, although a diversity of pathogens have been associated with acute myelitis.


METHODS
Based on relevant literature we present an overview of the most important pathogens responsible for infectious acute myelitis in northern Europe, as well as recommendations regarding diagnostic guidelines.


RESULTS
The pathogenic mechanisms are only partly known. Both replication of the pathogen, cellular defence mechanisms after invasion of the central nervous system, and the immune system seem to be important for the neurological damage.


CONCLUSIONS
Identification of a causative agent is important for the etiologic diagnosis and offers the possibility of specific treatment.
Skulstad
S
S
Nevrologisk avdeling Haukeland Sykehus 5021 Bergen. siriskulstad@haukeland.no
Aarli
J A
JA
D000208:Acute Disease; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D009187:Myelitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000821:virology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic