Neuromyelitis optica associated with subacute human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 infection

J Clin Neurosci. 2010 Nov;17(11):1449-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2009.12.024. Epub 2010 Jul 17.

Abstract

Although human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy, or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), is usually considered as a progressive myelopathy, a subacute variant has been described. It is unusual for optic neuritis (ON) to be associated with an HTLV-1 infection. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is characterised by severe attacks of acute transverse myelitis and ON of unknown aetiology. We report a 61-year-old Afro-Caribbean male patient with subacute HAM/TSP associated with bilateral ON that occurred 5years previously. To our knowledge this is the first report of recurrent NMO syndrome associated with HTLV-1 infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Deltaretrovirus Infections / complications*
  • Deltaretrovirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Deltaretrovirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / complications
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / drug therapy
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / virology*
  • Optic Nerve / pathology
  • Optic Nerve / virology
  • Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic / complications*
  • Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic / diagnosis
  • Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic / drug therapy
  • Spinal Cord / pathology
  • Spinal Cord / virology

Substances

  • Methylprednisolone