Effect of selective posterior rhizotomy on transverse myelitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.
This report describes the case of a 26-yr-old man experiencing transverse myelitis, a rare but serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus occurring in less than 1% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 4 yr after the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus. Significant neurologic deficits, including spastic paraplegia, dysthetic pain, and impaired bladder control, which made him completely bedridden and dependent in activities of daily living, continued, despite his immediate diagnosis and treatment. The patient received bilateral L1 to S1 selective posterior rhizotomy 1 yr after the onset of transverse myelitis, and 10 mo after selective posterior rhizotomy, he was completely independent in ambulation and self-care, demonstrating that selective posterior rhizotomy can be safely performed and its goals achieved under different medical conditions, as long as thorough preoperative evaluation and every possible precaution have been taken.
Yang
Tsui Fen
TF
Departments of Physical therapy, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Lee
Shinn Shing
SS
Lin
Pei Hsin
PH
Chen
Henrich
H
Chan
Rai Chi
RC
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D009188:Myelitis, Transverse / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019051:Rhizotomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome