title: An unusual case of acute transverse myelitis caused by HSV-1 infection.
abstract: Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder of the spinal cord that can have a variety of etiologies. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection has been described as one of the causes, most commonly HSV type 2. We report here a case of an 18 year old male who presented with weakness that started in his upper extremities and rapidly evolved to quadriplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging of spine was consistent with transverse myelitis. HSV type 1 PCR testing on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was positive. He was started on acyclovir and steroids, but despite therapy, patient did not recover motor function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Florida, College of Medicine-Jacksonville, United States.
authors.forename: Danisha
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Figueroa
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Florida, College of Medicine-Jacksonville, United States.
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Isache
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Florida, College of Medicine-Jacksonville, United States.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sands
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Florida, College of Medicine-Jacksonville, United States.
authors.forename: Nilmarie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Guzman
keywords: Herpes simplex virus; Quadriplegia; Transverse myelitis