[Guide of clinical management of HTLV patient: neurological aspects].
The Brazilian Ministry of Health (STD and Aids Program) invited specialists to make up an informative guide to deal with HTLV patients. Among the different topics, the neurological aspects associated to HTLV were contemplated. A suspected case should include changes in force and reflexes, distal paresthesiae and autonomic dysfunction. The investigation of such case should be based on the syndrome shown by the patient. For patients with spinal cord syndrome, magnetic resonance imaging or myelography as well as spinal fluid studies should be carried out. For patients with neuropathic or myopathic syndrome, electroneuromyography and CPK dosing should be done, and for those with autonomic syndrome, a search for postural hypotension, ultrasonography of urinary tract and urodynamic studies should be requested. The treatment may be symptomatic (spasticity, neurogenic bladder, intestinal constipation and neuropathic pain) and specific to be carried out in specialized centers.
Castro-Costa
Carlos Maurício de
CM
Laboratório de Neurologia Experimental e Neurofisiologia, DFF, UFC, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil. mcastro@ufc.br
Araújo
Abelardo Queiroz-Campos
AQ
Menna-Barreto
Márcio
M
Penalva-de-Oliveira
Augusto César
AC
D001938:Brazil; D020805:Central Nervous System Viral Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D006800:Deltaretrovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015493:Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology