Transverse myelitis with positive dengue infection

SANTHOSHKUMAR SG 1, *, BARATH RAJA M 1 and DEEPIKA GANESH 2

1 C L Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to “The Tamil Nadu MGR Medical University”, Thoraipakkam, Chennai – 97, Tamil Nadu, India.
2 MGR Medical University”, Thoraipakkam, Chennai – 97, Tamil Nadu, India.
 
Short Communication
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 11(01), 192–194.
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2024.11.1.1112
Publication history: 
Received on 25 November 2023; revised on 06 January 2024; accepted on 08 January 2024
 
Abstract: 
Transverse myelitis is a rare inflammatory disease of the spinal cord that presents with sensory deficits, and rapid onset of weakness with/without bowel and bladder dysfunction.. Dengue being a common vector borne infection, may also interfere with the neurological function of the patient.
The report is about how transverse myelitis is difficult to diagnose and its non-specificity to a particular etiological factor, how dengue can be a rare but possible etiological factor in causing transverse myelitis.
A 33 year old female came with the complaints of upper and lower limb weakness, she was found difficult to make sudden movements. Examinations revealed the spinal inflammation that is responsible for the weakness. Serum immunoglobulins confirmed the presence of dengue infection in the patient. Estimating the etiology of the infection turned out that dengue infection might be the possible cause for the spinal inflammation, thereby resulting in transverse myelitis. Appropriate pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy showed improvement in the patient’s condition which rapidly progressed to speedy recovery and provided her an independent stability to function on her own.  
 
Keywords: 
Transverse myelitis; Dengue; Spinal cord; Pharmacotherapy; Non-specific; Inflammation
 
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