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Case Reports
. 2012 May 11:2012:bcr1220115378.
doi: 10.1136/bcr.12.2011.5378.

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis associated with dengue fever

Ashfaq Larik  1 , Yi Chiong, Lynn Chooi Lee, Yee Sien Ng
Affiliations
Case Reports

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis associated with dengue fever

Ashfaq Larik et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is usually associated with neuromyelitis optica and other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders but this is the first report linking it with dengue fever. Dengue infection can cause a variety of neurological complications which may result in poor recovery and long-term disability. The authors report here a patient who developed LETM in the para-infectious stage of dengue fever. The patient had a complicated clinical course resulting in severe paraparesis and urinary retention. Treatment with immunoglobulins and antiviral agents supported by a spell of early intensive rehabilitation programme produced excellent results in terms of recovery.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
T2-weighted MRI scan (sagittal view) showing hyperintensity in the cervical and thoracic cord.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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