Transverse myelitis in systemic sclerosis.
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.
Torabi
Amir M
AM
Department of Neurology, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-8897, USA.
Patel
Rahul K
RK
Wolfe
Gil I
GI
Hughes
Charlece S
CS
Mendelsohn
Dianne B
DB
Trivedi
Jaya R
JR
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
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide