Acute Transverse Myelitis with Right Arm Paralysis in a Pediatric Patient: A Rare and Challenging Case Report

CASE REPORT
Armand Shehu, Kliti Pilika, Anita Pilika, Aida Bushati, Aferdita Tako, Kristi Aleksi, Ermioni Prifti, Baftjar Hysenaj, Aldo Shpuza

 
International Journal of Biomedicine. 2023;13(4):367-370.
DOI: 10.21103/Article13(4)_CR1
Originally published December 5, 2023

Abstract: 

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a rare inflammatory spinal cord disorder with varied clinical manifestations, particularly in the pediatric demographic. This report details the case of a 3-year-old child from Dibra, Albania, admitted with fever and sudden paralysis of the right arm. Initial symptoms included fever, fatigue, and anorexia, leading to total paralysis of the right arm. Laboratory findings highlighted elevated neutrophils at 66.6%. Crucially, an MRI of the spine indicated inflammatory lesions in the cervical region, confirming the diagnosis of ATM. The child underwent a comprehensive treatment regimen, including antibiotics, immunoglobulins, antiviral medications, corticosteroids, and physiotherapy. Post-treatment, while there was a marked improvement in the child's general health and a halt in the progression of the disease, significant motor deficits persisted in the right arm. Despite the severity of ATM and challenges in treatment, early intervention showcased a positive impact on the patient's health, emphasizing the critical nature of prompt diagnosis and treatment in pediatric ATM cases. This case offers insight into the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of ATM in young children, shedding light on a rare yet impactful neurological disorder.

Keywords: 
acute transverse myelitis • young children • MRI • treatment
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Received September 14, 2023.
Accepted October 24, 2023.
©2023 International Medical Research and Development Corporation.