title: Transverse myelitis in systemic sclerosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Neurological involvement occurs rarely with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Only a few cases of transverse myelopathy have been reported in the setting of SSc.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe a patient with SSc who developed transverse myelitis that improved during a course of immunosuppression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 30-year-old woman with SSc presented with subacute onset of bilateral lower extremity weakness and numbness. Results of magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid studies supported a diagnosis of transverse myelitis. The patient responded favorably to a course of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. No overlapping autoimmune disorders were evident. Clinical follow-up showed significant recovery, with resolution of radiological abnormalities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transverse myelitis can occur as a rare manifestation of SSc and may respond favorably to immunosuppressive therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-8897, USA.
authors.forename: Amir M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Torabi
authors.forename: Rahul K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Gil I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Wolfe
authors.forename: Charlece S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Dianne B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Mendelsohn
authors.forename: Jaya R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Trivedi
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009188:Myelitis, Transverse / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide