Transverse myelitis and acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy due to Legionella pneumophila: A case report. Issue 6 (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Canpolat, Mehmet; Kumandas, Sefer; Yikilmaz, Ali; Gumus, Hakan; Koseoglu, Emel; Poyrazoğlu, Hatice Gamze; Kose, Mehmet; Per, Huseyin
• Is Part Of: Pediatrics international. Volume 55:Issue 6(2013)
• Page Start: 778
• Page End: 782
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/ped.12126
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1328-8067

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Guillain–Barré syndrome is a rapidly progressive symmetrical muscle weakness associated with acute inflammatory disease. Transverse myelitis (TM) is the inflammation of the spinal cord characterized by rapidly evolving muscle weakness in the lower extremities, defects in sensory level and sphincter dysfunction. Guillain–Barré syndrome, and TM association occurs very rarely in childhood. A 7‐year‐old girl presented with complaints of neck pain, spout‐style vomiting, cough, shortness of breath, and acute paraparesis with sensory and sphincter disturbance. The patient was intubated because of increased respiratory distress. A positive direct fluorescein antigen test in bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed <italic>Legionella pneumophila</italic> infection. Imaging and neurophysiologic studies were diagnostic for TM with acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy. She was treated with a combination of high‐dose methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulins, and we observed incomplete recovery. The presented case is the first child with concomitant TM and acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy related to <italic>L. pneumophila</italic> infection.</p> </abstract>