A case of neuro-Behcet's disease presenting with lumbar spinal cord involvement.
METHODS
Case report.


OBJECTIVE
To report an unusual case of neuro-Behcet's disease (NBD) presenting with isolated myelitis that affected the lumbar cord.


METHODS
Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.


METHODS
A 19-year-old man presented with a 3-day history of paresthesia and weakness in both the legs. He had a 6-year history of recurrent oral and genital ulcers with erythema nodosum on his legs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a T1-hypointense and T2-hyperintense lesion at the L1 level. Nodular enhancement of the lesion was achieved with gadolinium administration. Biopsy specimens from cutaneous lesions were consistent with an active perivasculitic process.


RESULTS
Corticosteroid (pulsed methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone) therapy was administered immediately. Subsequently, the patient's clinical condition improved dramatically. The spinal cord lesion disappeared on the MRI performed 1 year later. Thus far, there has been no recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
NBD may involve the lumbar spinal cord. Prompt recognition of this disease and early vigorous steroid therapy are important to prevent further disability and recurrence.
Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
B
B
Zhao
L
L
He
X-H
XH
Lai
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001528:Behcet Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009187:Myelitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000209:etiology; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D011239:Prednisolone; D008775:Methylprednisolone