[Cytomegalovirus myelitis in immunocompetent adult].
BACKGROUND
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection occurs in 40 to 100% of general population. It is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent subject but may induce neurological syndromes such as encephalitis and myelitis.


METHODS
We reported a case of a 64-years-old woman immunocompetent, with acute proximal upper and lower limb weakness, paresthesias and two episodes of urinary retention. MRI of the spine showed abnormal enhancement from cervical to lumbar spine indicative for myelitis. Diagnosis of CMV associated myelitis was confirmed by a positive CMV serology. Administration of ganciclovir was followed by a partial improvement in five months.


CONCLUSIONS
Few cases of CMV acute myelitis in immunocompetent patients have been reported in the literature. The pathogenesis is not well known, however, immune-mediated central nervous system damage may be attributed to the pathogenesis of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment improves the prognosis.
Ben Abdelhafidh
N
N
Service de médecine interne, hôpital militaire de Tunis, 1008 Mont-fleury Tunis, Tunisie.
Battikh
R
R
Laabidi
J
J
M'sadek
F
F
Ajili
F
F
Ben Moussa
M
M
Amor
A
A
Ben Abdallah
N
N
Louzir
B
B
Othmani
S
S
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D015774:Ganciclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009187:Myelitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D015774:Ganciclovir