A Rare Case of Adenovirus-induced Transverse Myelitis: A Clinical Insight into Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Adenovirus (Ad), a common virus, can cause a variety of symptoms such as respiratory issues, fever, and occasionally neurological problems. Transverse Myelitis (TM) is defined as a neurological disorder marked by inflammation of a section of the spinal cord which further damages the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve fibers. This can result in a variety of symptoms, including general weakness, sensory changes, pain and difficulties with bowel and bladder control. Ad causing TM is a topic of great significance in the field of medicine as it involves a rare yet serious condition. Hereby the case report of a 64-year-old female who presented to the Emergency Room with fever and bilateral lower limb weakness and was diagnosed with TM, with the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) report Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) showing Ad. The patient was treated with plasmapheresis, antivirals, steroids and physiotherapy. The present case emphasises that timely diagnosis and identification of the underlying cause of TM are essential to prevent respiratory paralysis and other complications. It is also important to exclude other autoimmune conditions, as well as, bacterial and fungal infections, in every patient.

Keywords

• cerebrospinal fluid
• lower limb weakness
• methyl prednisolone
• plasmapheresis