Proposal for diagnostic criteria of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM)

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2006 Oct;22(10):931-5. doi: 10.1089/aid.2006.22.931.

Abstract

After the first description of TSP/HAM in 1985 and the elaboration of WHO's diagnostic criteria in 1988, the experience of the professionals in this field has increased so that a critical reappraisal of these diagnostic guidelines was considered timely. Brazilian neurologists and observers from other countries met recently to discuss and propose a modified model for diagnosing TSP/HAM with levels of ascertainment as definite, probable, and possible, according to myelopathic symptoms, serological findings, and/or detection of HTLV-I DNA and exclusion of other disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Deltaretrovirus Antibodies / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic / diagnosis*
  • Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic / immunology

Substances

  • Deltaretrovirus Antibodies