Transverse myelitis and acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy due to Legionella pneumophila: A case report


CANPOLAT M., KUMANDAŞ S., Yikilmaz A., GÜMÜŞ H., KÖSEOĞLU E., Poyrazoglu H. G., ...More

PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, vol.55, no.6, pp.778-782, 2013 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 55 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/ped.12126
  • Journal Name: PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.778-782
  • Keywords: acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy, child, immune modulation, Legionella pneumophila, transverse myelitis, GUILLAIN-BARRE-SYNDROME, CHILDHOOD
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Guillain-Barre 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-Barre 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 Legionella pneumophila 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 L. pneumophila infection.