Abstract
Study design:
Case report of a 7-month-old boy, who developed acute transverse myelitis after diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis immunization.
Objectives:
To describe the clinical course of acute transverse myelitis in an infant and to review the literature regarding the association of acute transverse myelitis and vaccinations.
Setting:
Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
Methods:
Case report.
Results:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on admission demonstrated diffuse spinal cord edema with increased signal on T-2 weighted images and faint enhancement with gadolinium infusion. Urologic symptoms improved with steroids but motor function was never fully regained. Repeat MRI of the spinal cord several months later showed diminution of cord diameter with resolution of edema and signal abnormality.
Conclusion:
Based on the clinical course and MRI findings, the daignosis of acute transverse myelitis was made. The association of previously received DPT immunization and the genesis of transverse myelitis is explored.
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Riel-Romero, R. Acute transverse myelitis in a 7-month-old boy after diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis immunization. Spinal Cord 44, 688–691 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3101879
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3101879
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