Аcute transverse myelitis and Guillain – Barre overlap syndrome in a patient with СOVID-19

2022 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 43-51
Author(s):  
E. A. Ruina ◽  
V. N. Grigoryeva ◽  
A. A. Lesnikova ◽  
K. M. Beliakov

We report a case of transverse myelitis and Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) overlap in the 42-year-old patient with moderate course of Coronavirus disease 2019 (СOVID-19). Nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV 2 RT-PCR was positive. Severe neck pain developed in this patient on the 5-th day of СOVID-19. A few hours later weakness in the feet arised and then spread to the thighs and arms. Quadriparesis, arefl exia in all limbs, sensory loss below the level of T4 and bladder/bowel dysfunction were present. Pyramidal signs were negative. There was no increase of COVID-19 severity at the time of neurological signs development. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord showed the focal lesion in the C2-T1 segments, which was consistent with the features of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Along with the myelitis, acute motor axonal polyneuropathy was diagnosed. This diagnosis of GBS was supported by ascending weakness with arefl exia, albumin-cytological dissociation in cerebrospinal fl uid and the data of neuroelectrophysiological examination. We proposed that both myelitis and GBS had disimmune nature associated with COVID-19. The other possible causes of damage to the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system were excluded.Immunotherapy with high dose of intravenous immunoglobulins was administered. Steroids also were used taking into account the myelitis. At the follow up in 4 months the motor functions were found to be improved nonsignifi cantly, the patient was still severe disabled.

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1597.1-1597
Author(s):  
E. Treppo ◽  
M. Infantino ◽  
M. Benucci ◽  
V. Ravagnani ◽  
B. Palterer ◽  
...  

Background:Anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzime A reductase (HMGCR) myopathy is a new entity, which has been clearly associated to statin use, even if it can be diagnosed in patients without a history of exposure to statin or even in the childhood (1).Objectives:The aim of the study is to describe the efficacy of a triple therapy regimen consisting in high-doses of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), methotrexate (MTX), and glucocorticoids (GC) in 16 patients with Anti-HMGCR myopathy enrolled in 6 specialized centres.Methods:A total of 16 patients with anti-HMGCR myopathy (7 females; 9 males) were collected. Mean (±standard deviation) age at the onset of disease was 72.4±10.3 years old. All patients were diagnosed having anti-HMGCR myopathy [anti-HMGCR antibodies were measured by chemiluminescence assay (BioFlash, Inova, CA)] (2). Median follow-up was 29.5 months (interquartile range: 15.75-60 months). Anti-HMGCR antibodies were available in the follow-up in 8/16 patients.Results:Thirteen out of 16 patients (81.3%) had been exposed to statin (1/13 to red rice), 3/16 (18.7%) were not exposed. As induction therapy, 11/16 patients have been treated with triple therapy (high-dose IVIG, MTX and GC), 2/16 with double therapy (high-dose IVIG and GC), 2/16 have been treated with GC alone, the patient exposed to red rice resolved only with red rice suspension. Clinical remission and normalization of CPK values within month +24 were obtained in all the patients. All the patients were in remission at the last follow-up. Gradual improvement started soon from the first month, and among the 13 patients treated with an aggressive immunosuppresssive therapy including IVIG (13/13), GC (13/13) and methotrexate (11/13), 9/13 normalized the CPK value within 6 months. Clinical and laboratory response was accompanied by significant decrease or normalization of the anti-HMGCR antibody titer. All the patients were either not taking GC (56.3%), or were taking low doses of GC (43.7%) at the last follow-up. Four patients had stopped GC within 6 months. No serious side effects were recorded. After persistent remission, a maintenance immunosuppressive therapy was then administered. Only 3 relapses in 3 different cases were recorded, all of them during drug-free remission in long-term follow-up. Reinduction was again effective in all.Conclusion:Anti-HMGCR myopathy is a rare and serious myopathy which usually affects older people during statin treatment. After statin suspension, a rapid and sustained remission can be achieved by induction with a triple aggressive therapy consisting in medium-to high doses of GC, high-dose IVIG, and MTX (3). GC should be tapered as soon as possible. Relapse appears infrequent during maintenance treatment. Monitoring anti-HMGCR antibody titer may be clinically relevant.References:[1]AL Mammen et al. N Engl J Med. 2016;374:664-9[2]Musset L et al. Autoimmun Rev. 2016;15:983-93.[3]Aggarwal A et al. Scand J Rheumatol. 2019; 1-7.Acknowledgments:We thank MD Francesca Grosso and MD Valentina Mecheri from the University of Florence, MD Angela Zuppa and MD Chiara De Michelis, from San Martino Hospital, Genova, for their valued collaboration in data collectionDisclosure of Interests:Elena Treppo: None declared, Maria Infantino: None declared, Maurizio Benucci: None declared, Viviana Ravagnani: None declared, Boaz Palterer: None declared, Marina Grandis: None declared, Martina Fabris: None declared, Paola Tomietto: None declared, Mariangela Manfredi: None declared, Arianna Sonaglia: None declared, Maria Grazia Giudizi: None declared, Francesca Ligobbi: None declared, Daniele Cammelli: None declared, Paola Parronchi: None declared, Salvatore De Vita Consultant of: Roche, GSK, Speakers bureau: Roche, GSK, Novartis, Luca Quartuccio Consultant of: Abbvie, Bristol, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Wang ◽  
Baochang Qi ◽  
Jinming Han ◽  
Chunjie Guo ◽  
Limei Qu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL ) is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor. It is easy to be misdiagnosed due to its low incidence and unspecific presentations in clinical practice. PCNSL mainly occurs intracranially in the brain while spinal cord is rarely involved. Case presentation: Here we report a 76-year-old woman who had a suspicious tumor history and presented retardant paralysis, bladder dysfunction and sensory loss of the lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracic spine disclosed longitudinally extensive lesions extending from thoracic 4 (T4) to lumbar 1 (L1) vertebral level with an enhanced nodular lesion noting at levels of T10 and T11 . In order to further identify the cause, the whole body 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) was performed and showed a hypermetabolic nodule corresponded to MRI enhancing lesions, which further suggesting the possibility of a tumor. The patient then underwent a surgical resection and spinal cord biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (diffuse large B-cell type). The patient then received a high-dose chemotherapy based on methotrexate combined with Rituximab. Unfortunately, the symptoms of this patient have not been improved significantly after three rounds of chemotherapy. Conclusion: Our case indicates that PCNSL may also serve as a possible cause for longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions, especially the patients who had a suspicious tumor history, MRI enhancing lesion s in the spinal cord corresponded to hypermetabolic nodules on 18 F-FDG- PET/CT at the same level.


2018 ◽  
pp. 201-204
Author(s):  
Aaron E. Miller ◽  
Tracy M. DeAngelis ◽  
Michelle Fabian ◽  
Ilana Katz Sand

Primary CNS angiitis (PACNS) is distinguished from other vasculitides by its exclusive involvement of the CNS, generally in a multifocal manner. Lesions are typically, but not invariably, ischemic or hemorrhagic. Symptoms most frequently include headache, but also commonly involve cognitive impairment, focal neurological symptoms, and sometimes seizures. The disorder may involve medium or small-sized vessels. MRI of brain and spinal cord is usually abnormal, frequently showing cortical and subcortical infarcts. However, in the case of smaller vessel involvement, ischemic demyelination may be seen. Angiography frequently suggests the diagnosis by demonstration of “beading,” but biopsy is often necessary to firmly establish the diagnosis. Treatment is usually with high-dose pulse methylprednisolone followed by a prolonged course of oral prednisone, but the addition of other immunosuppressant medication is often necessary.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E Hodges ◽  
Shervin Rahimpour ◽  
Luis Alejandro Antezana ◽  
Abena A Ansah-Yeboah ◽  
Rajeev Dharmapurikar ◽  
...  

Abstract INTRODUCTION Various new waveforms for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) have emerged in recent years, with limited data supporting their utility in a real-world clinical setting. We report real-world results of a protocolized workflow algorithm that allows for high dose (HD) and low dose (LD) neurostimulation in patients with chronic pain undergoing SCS trial or permanent procedures. METHODS Prospective data was collected using the ManageMySurgery (MMS) mobile device platform in patients undergoing Medtronic SCS trial and permanent implant procedures. E-consent was obtained through the HIPAA compliant, mobile software platform. All data was de-identified, aggregated and analyzed. RESULTS In total, 104 patients (37 trial SCS and 67 permanent SCS) participated. For SCS trial and permanent procedures, the protocolized workflow algorithm resulted in a 91% trial success rate with >50% pain relief. At long-term follow-up (3 to 12 mo), 86% of permanent SCS patients reported they were getting the same or more relief as during their SCS trial. For permanent SCS patients, 79% reported >50% improvement in overall pain and 58% had >50% improvement in low back pain. The protocolized workflow algorithm resulted in a 37% “remitter rate,” with these patients reporting themselves essentially pain free (VAS 0–3). Importantly, 52% of permanent implant patients stopped or reduced their ‘as needed’ pain medications by >50%. Additionally, 87% would recommend the same procedure to a friend or family member, 87% found device charging ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ and 66% reported charging a few times a week or weekly. CONCLUSION A protocolized workflow algorithm that allows for HD and LD neurostimulation appears to have robust utility in providing meaningful pain relief and opiate reduction during both the SCS trial and permanent stages and at longer-term follow-up. Randomized controlled trials with extended follow-up are in progress.


Author(s):  
Kiran Narayanrao Wandile ◽  
Girish Balasaheb Mote ◽  
Chandrashekhar Martand Badole

Thoracic spinal cord stab injuries are rare lesions. We report a 32 years old young married female, of a lower middle class, who was stabbed on her back with a sickle by her neighbor after a quarrel. She presented with complete paraplegia with muscle power of zero on all muscle groups, complete sensory loss from thoracic dermatome level 4 and below, acute urinary retention, and a 3-centimeter vertically placed wound on the posterior thoracic region from which cerebrospinal fluid mixed with blood was oozing out. A high-dose methylprednisolone protocol was started (30 mg/kg in one hour and then 5.4 mg/kg over next 23 hours), urinary catheter placed and sterile cleaning and dressing was done. Antibiotics and analgesics were also administered. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan was done urgently and scanning revealed thoracic spinal cord contusion at D5 vertebral level with cord oedema at D4 to D6 vertebral level and fracture spinous process of T4 vertebral body. The case is managed conservatively and she is under follow up. As patient is a young married female, wedge worker by occupation, having lower middle class of socioeconomic status, this condition has high impact considering the socioeconomic issues.


Author(s):  
Sofia Sjöström ◽  
Ulla Sillén ◽  
Marc Bachelard ◽  
Ewa Johansson ◽  
Per Brandström ◽  
...  

Abstract Background An association between bladder-bowel dysfunction (BBD) and urinary tract infection (UTI) is well-known. However, a question less explored is whether children with UTI early in life also have increased prevalence of BBD after they are toilet-trained. In this study, consecutively selected children with pyelonephritis during their first year of life were assessed for BBD at pre-school age. Methods Ninety-two children (51 boys) hospitalized due to pyelonephritis during their first year of life were assessed for BBD at median age 5.4 years. A validated BBD questionnaire, along with urine flow and residual volume measurements, was used for diagnosing BBD. During follow-up, the group was well-characterized regarding renal status, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and recurrent UTI. Results BBD was diagnosed in 35/92 (38%), of which the majority was sub-diagnosed with dysfunctional voiding (DV). There was a strong association between BBD and recurrent UTI during follow-up (p < 0.0001), but only a slight association with VUR status at presentation. Nevertheless, in the group with both BBD and VUR, recurrent UTI was four times higher (12/13, 92%) than in children who had neither VUR nor BBD (23%), (p = 0.0008). BBD was also associated with kidney damage (p = 0.017). Conclusion In children with pyelonephritis during the first year of life, 38% had BBD at pre-school age, regardless of whether they had VUR or not. The study shows an important association between BBD and recurrent UTI, so an assessment of BBD is therefore recommended for pre-school children with UTI, especially when they have history of pyelonephritis during infancy.


BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongfeng Wen ◽  
Di Jin ◽  
Lina Cai ◽  
Tao Wu ◽  
Haichao Liu

Abstract Background Brucellosis is a common zoonotic disease that may have a variety of clinical manifestations when it affects the nervous system. Ischemic stroke is a rare clinical symptom, but if it is not diagnosed and treated early, it may cause more severe consequences. Case presentation We report a 38-year-old man presenting with hearing impairment for four years and sudden weakness of the right limb for two years, recurrent aphasia, and gradual weakness of bilateral lower limbs for nine months. He had bilateral positive Babinski’s sign. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed raised protein and pleocytosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed ischemic infarcts in the pons and extensive enhancement of spinal meninges combined with spinal cord atrophy and ischemia. The tests revealed Brucella Rose Bengal positive in serum and CSF. Brucella culture in CSF was also positive. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of CSF revealed positive for Brucella with 105 species were detected. He showed significant improvement with antibiotics at five months follow-up. Conclusions Neurobrucellosis may mimic stroke and transverse myelitis like syndromes. NB is a treatable infectious condition and should always be considered in the differentials, especially if there are risk factors, as in our case.


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