Multifocal relapsing-remitting myelitis in a patient with atopic dermatitis: multiple sclerosis or atopic myelitis?

Intern Med. 2002 Jun;41(6):495-7. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.41.495.

Abstract

We describe a patient with multifocal relapsing-remitting myelitis. This case had abnormal high intensity lesions in the spinal cord at the cervical and thoracic levels on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). She had complicated atopic dermatitis and high serum IgE levels, which showed strong sensitivity to mite antigen. These features closely resemble those of atopic myelitis, suggesting that atopic myelitis may develop a relapse with multifocal involvement of the spinal cord, which can mimic multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / complications*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / drug therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis / etiology*
  • Myelitis / diagnosis
  • Myelitis / drug therapy
  • Myelitis / etiology*
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Radiography
  • Recurrence
  • Spinal Cord / diagnostic imaging*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Prednisolone