Abstract
Pediatric transverse myelitis (TM) is an acquired, immune-mediated disorder that leads to injury of the spinal cord and often manifests as weakness, numbness, bowel dysfunction, and/or bladder dysfunction. Multiple etiologies for myelitis can result in a similar clinical presentation, including idiopathic transverse myelitis (TM), multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyeltis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) associated with anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies, MOG antibody-associated disease, and acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). Diagnosis relies on clinical recognition of the syndrome and confirming inflammation through imaging and/or laboratory studies. Acute treatment is targeted at decreasing immune-mediated injury, and chronic preventative therapy may be indicated if TM is determined to be a manifestation of a relapsing disorder (i.e., NMOSD). Timely recognition and treatment of acute transverse myelitis is essential, as it can be associated with significant morbidity and long-term disability.
Highlights
Pediatric transverse myelitis (TM) accounts for about 20% of the total number of cases of transverse myelitis [1]
Idiopathic transverse myelitis refers to a single episode of TM, postulated to arise from post-infectious immune activation
The incidence of acute transverse myelitis (ATM) in children under the age of 16 years is estimated to be 2 per million children per year based on studies in the UK and Canada [2]
Summary
Pediatric transverse myelitis (TM) accounts for about 20% of the total number of cases of transverse myelitis [1]. Transverse myelitis can result from multiple pathological mechanisms. Idiopathic transverse myelitis refers to a single episode of TM, postulated to arise from post-infectious immune activation. TM can be a part of a relapsing inflammatory disorder, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Infections of the spinal cord cause direct tissue injury, and in some cases, may trigger downstream immune mechanisms that lead to additional injury (i.e., acute flaccid myelitis)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have