Post-COVID-19 Acute Transverse Myelitis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) following coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is rarely reported in the literature. We report a case of ATM after COVID-19 infection in a female who presented with sudden onset bilateral lower limb weakness, paresthesia, and urinary retention. She developed fever, cough, dyspnea two weeks ago, and her COVID-19 test was positive one week later. After a complete physical examination and detailed investigations, including cerebrospinal fluid analysis, autoimmune screening, and infectious workup, a diagnosis of ATM due to COVID-19 was made. Magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine confirmed the diagnosis of ATM. She was managed with intravenous methylprednisolone, physical therapy, and bladder training and her condition improved gradually.

Keywords: acute transverse myelitis (atm); covid 19; longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis; myelopathy; sars-cov-2.

Figure 1. CT chest showing patchy opacities in both lungs

Figure 2. MRI thoracic spine: (a) Sagittal T1 sequence with gadolinium contrast. (b) Sagittal T1 sequence of the thoracic spine. (c) Sagittal T2 sequence showing a high signal intensity starting from the T2 level.