Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis: A Sub-Saharan Conundrum

Spinal cord schistosomiasis is a rare, underdiagnosed manifestation of schistosomiasis. We present the case of a 36-year-old male who presented to our institution with a one-week history of low back pain with rapidly progressive lower limb weakness, loss of sensation, and flaccid paraparesis. An MRI...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Antonina Obayo, Sylvia Mbugua, Sayed K. Ali
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2020-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Neurological Medicine
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/8879121
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Summary:Spinal cord schistosomiasis is a rare, underdiagnosed manifestation of schistosomiasis. We present the case of a 36-year-old male who presented to our institution with a one-week history of low back pain with rapidly progressive lower limb weakness, loss of sensation, and flaccid paraparesis. An MRI of the spine showed a longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis from T6 to L1, with enhancement at the cauda equina region. Further review of the images and serological tests eventually led to diagnosis of spinal schistosomiasis. He was treated with praziquantel and high-dose steroids, with minimal improvement in his symptoms.
ISSN:2090-6668
2090-6676