Dengue-associated longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis

BMJ Case Rep. 2024 Mar 25;17(3):e259388. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-259388.

Abstract

We diagnosed a patient with dengue fever who developed acute onset of sensorimotor quadriparesis with bladder involvement, and facial nerve involvement. Despite initial negative results in routine investigations and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, spinal MRI confirmed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. The aetiological workup was negative, prompting an investigation into the presence of dengue in the cerebrospinal fluid, which returned positive. This case underscores the importance of considering rare neurological complications in dengue, the value of advanced diagnostic techniques and the potential effectiveness of tailored interventions in challenging cases.

Keywords: infection (neurology); spinal cord; tropical medicine (infectious disease).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dengue* / complications
  • Facial Nerve
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Myelitis* / complications
  • Myelitis, Transverse* / diagnosis
  • Quadriplegia / complications