A case of 'tropical' myelopathy.
We present a case of lower limb sensory disturbances and weakness in a patient originating from Mali. MRI showed a diffuse myelopathy of the cervical and thoracic spinal cord. Serological evaluation of blood and cerebrospinal fluid pointed towards schistosomiasis as the cause. Histological confirmation was made on bladder-biopsy. Treatment with praziquantel and steroids brought marked clinical improvement. This case illustrates the need to keep in mind more exotic causes of myelopathy in those patients coming from endemic regions.
Laureys
G
G
Department of Neurology, UZ-VUB Brussels, Belgium. Guy.Laureys@uzbrussel.be
Chaskis
C
C
Bourgain
C
C
Stadnik
T
T
Dielman
C
C
Ebinger
G
G
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020818:Neuroschistosomiasis / Q000473:pathology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology