Priapism in infantile transverse myelitis.
BACKGROUND
Transverse myelitis is an autoimmune neurological disorder of the spinal cord that affects individuals of all age groups, including infants.


OBJECTIVE
To report priapism as a unique clinical manifestation of infantile transverse myelitis.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Transverse Myelitis Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.


METHODS
Three infants younger than 12 months.


METHODS
Intravenous corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.


METHODS
Clinical outcomes in infants with priapism and transverse myelitis.


RESULTS
All 3 infants demonstrated rapidly progressive quadriplegia that resulted in substantial disability and proved fatal for 1 infant.


CONCLUSIONS
Priapism in infants with transverse myelitis may be an indication of severe inflammation and neural injury that necessitates immediate and aggressive treatment.
Hammond
Edward R
ER
Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-5371, USA.
Kerr
Douglas A
DA
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009188:Myelitis, Transverse / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011317:Priapism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous