TRƯỜNG HỢP LÂM SÀNG VIÊM TỦY CẮT NGANG HẬU NHIỄM HIẾM GẶP VÀ ĐỐI CHIẾU Y VĂN

Abstract

Acute transverse myelitis is an uncommon inflammatory condition that affects a specific area of the spinal cord. It is typically acquired and localized, causing symptoms such as progressive muscle weakness, sensory impairment, and dysfunction of the sphincter muscles. While it often occurs as an isolated condition following an infection, it can also manifest as part of other inflammatory neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, or systemic inflammatory diseases. The effectiveness of treatment for transverse myelitis relies on an accurate and timely diagnosis, as well as distinguishing between idiopathic transverse myelitis and secondary transverse myelitis caused by another underlying condition. Key diagnostic tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord and a lumbar puncture. However, it is important to note that normal results on these tests, especially in the early stages of the disease, do not exclude the diagnosis. In some cases, repeating the spinal cord MRI and lumbar puncture at a later time may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. We present a clinical case of postinfectious transverse myelitis where the initial spinal cord MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis on admission appeared normal. However, subsequent spinal cord MRI revealed abnormalities consistent with acute transverse myelitis. The patient responded positively to high-dose corticosteroid anti-inflammatory therapy and experienced significant recovery, regaining near-normal muscle strength.