Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis Research Articles

Clinical characteristics and predictive factors of recurrent idiopathic transverse myelitis.

Idiopathic transverse myelitis (iTM) is defined as an inflammatory myelopathy of undetermined etiology, even after a comprehensive workup to identify other possible causes. Generally, the characteristics of recurrent iTM are not clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics and predictive factors of recurrence in patients with iTM. We retrospectively recruited patients with transverse myelitis (TM) who visited Chungnam National University Hospital between January 2011 and December 2021. We included patients who were followed up for at least 2 years and excluded those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) during the initial episode or follow-up period. Patients with iTM were categorized into two groups: monophasic idiopathic TM (mTM) and recurrent idiopathic TM (rTM). We compared the clinical characteristics and spinal magnetic resonance imaging findings between the two groups. In total, 167 patients were reviewed, of whom 112 were excluded. Finally, we included 55 patients with iTM. In 55 patients, 11 (20.0%) and 44 (80%) were classified into the rTM and mTM groups, respectively. Male predominance was observed in the iTM, rTM, and mTM groups. The percentage of patients with low vitamin D levels was significantly higher in the rTM group (100.0%) compared with the mTM group (70%) (p = 0.049). In addition, longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) was observed more frequently in the rTM group, in 8 of 11 (72.7%) patients, compared with 15 of 44 (34.1%) patients in the mTM group, with the difference being statistically significant (p = 0.020). In multivariate regression analysis, female sex, younger age at onset, low serum vitamin D level (<30 ng/mL), and LETM were risk factors for recurrence. LETM was a significant predictor of relapse in iTM (p = 0.043, odds ratio = 13.408). In this study, the clinical features of mTM and rTM are nearly indistinguishable. In conclusion, >20% of the patients with iTM experience recurrence, and LETM is the most significant risk factor for recurrence. In cases of recurrence, there is a favorable response to immunotherapy, and the prognosis is generally good. Although LETM may be the initial symptom of NMOSD, it may be manifestation of iTM, and in cases of idiopathic LETM, it is important to be mindful of the elevated risk of recurrence. Based on these results, idiopathic rTM has good clinical prognosis and response to immunosuppressive treatment.

Unusual demyelinating disease in a patient with HIV infection.

Demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) disorders are a diverse group of conditions characterised by damage to the myelin sheath. These include not only primary autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), but secondary demyelinating conditions caused by infection and neoplasm, where immunosuppressive therapy may worsen the condition or delay definitive treatment. We describe a young man with an unusual presentation of CNS demyelinating disease associated with HIV infection and positive syphilis serology. MRI brain and spine showed a demyelinating tumefactive lesion accompanied by longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis, and we initially suspected NMOSD. However anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies were negative, going against a diagnosis of NMOSD and he then tested positive for HIV which led us to consider TB myelitis, neurosyphilis and HIV vacuolar myelopathy. He was commenced on highly active retroviral therapy and treated with steroids and immunosuppression. He did not respond to treatment as expected so a brain biopsy was required to narrow the differential. Brain biopsy initially raised the possibility of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy which is associated with infection with the John Cunningham (JC) virus. Ultimately JC Virus PCR on the biopsy was negative, the final report suggesting nonspecific active chronic inflammation. We detail his clinical course and the diagnostic challenges along the way.

Diagnostic Challenges in a Nine-year-old Boy with ADEM and Longitudinal Extensive Transverse Myelitis

Diagnostic Challenges in a Nine-year-old Boy with ADEM and Longitudinal Extensive Transverse Myelitis

Tuberculous meningitis causing holocord longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis

ABSTRACT Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is a neurological entity with characteristic inflammatory lesions in ≥3 vertebral segments of the spinal cord. It is most commonly associated with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Other causes include infections, autoimmune disorders, and neoplasms. Tuberculosis has been reported as a cause of LETM in few case reports. However, tuberculous meningitis (TBM) as a cause of LETM is extremely rare, more so with involvement of the complete spine cord from the brainstem to the conus medullaris. A 65-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with sudden-onset tetraplegia and sensory, bowel, and bladder involvement. With no significant past history, mild meningeal signs, and normal metabolic profile, cerebrospinal fluid analysis was done revealing polymerase chain reaction test positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine was suggestive of complete spinal cord edema extending from the brainstem to the level of conus medullaris without skip lesions. A final impression of holocord LETM caused by TBM was suggested after ruling out other causes. The case highlights TBM as a potential cause of LETM especially in endemic countries, especially Asian and African countries, more so with holocord involvement without skip lesions.

Neurological Involvement in a Portuguese Cohort of IgG4-Related Disease.

Neurological involvement in immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is increasingly recognized. Its diagnosis can be challenging due to clinical mimics and difficulty in obtaining nervous system biopsies. The aim of this study was to describe a cohort of neurological IgG4-RD patients. Patients were recruited from a neuroimmunology tertiary center. Clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging and histological data were reviewed. Fifteen patients (60% women), with a median age of 53 years (48.5 - 65.0) were included: 13 (86.7%) classified as possible IgG4-RD, one (6.7%) as probable and one (6.7%) as definitive. The most common neurological phenotypes were meningoencephalitis (26.7%), orbital pseudotumor (13.3%), cranial neuropathies (13.3%), peripheral neuropathy (13.3%), and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LTEM) (13.3%). Median serum IgG4 concentration was 191.5 (145.0 - 212.0) mg/dL. Seven in 14 patients had CSF pleocytosis (50.0%) and oligoclonal bands restricted to the intrathecal compartment, while most cases presented elevated CSF proteins (64.3%). Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities included white matter lesions in four (26.7%), hypertrophic pachymeningitis in two (13.3%), and LETM in two (13.3%). Two patients had biopsy-proven IgG4-RD in extra-neurological sites. This study highlights the phenotypical variability of the neurological IgG4-RD. Biopsy inaccessibility reinforces the importance of new criteria for the diagnosis of this subset of patients.

Parainfectious Hemorrhagic Longitudinally-extensive Transverse Myelitis Secondary to COVID-19 (P1-13.010)

Parainfectious Hemorrhagic Longitudinally-extensive Transverse Myelitis Secondary to COVID-19 (P1-13.010)

A Case of Post Viral Acute Longitudinal Extensive Transverse Myelitis (LETM): MOGAD- A New Horizon

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a recently identified autoimmune disorder that presents in both adults and children. It is a group of central nervous system demyelinating diseases caused by auto antibodies against myelin oligosaccharide protein, a myelin sheath component protein, and present with a variety of symptoms, including optic neuritis, longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), brainstem encephalitis, and corticobasal encephalitis. Although there are clinical phenotypic overlaps between MOGAD, multiple sclerosis, and aquaporin-4 antibody-associated neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) cumulative biological, clinical, and pathological evidence discriminates between these conditions. Here, we present a case of a young male with acute onset of spastic paraplegia with sphincters involvement and patchy loss of pinprick sensation with positive Anti-MOG Antibody shortly after viral febrile illness. Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2024; 12 (1): 62-67

Myelitis associated with COVID-19: clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics

Aim: The current study aimed to describe various types of myelitis associated with a novel coronavirus infection [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] as well as to analyze cytokine profiles and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters in affected patients and to compare them to patients with other immune-mediated disorders—multiple sclerosis (MS), in order to identify possible common pathogenetic pathways and consequently treatment targets. Methods: Clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics were studied based on patients’ history. CSF from patients with myelitis associated with COVID-19 (11 patients) was compared with CSF of healthy controls (HC) (7 patients) and patients with MS (37 patients) from the non-COVID era. CSF cytological examination, protein levels and oligoclonal bands (OCBs) evaluation, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus detection and cytokine profiling using Bio-Plex Pro Human Inflammation Panel 1, 37-Plex were performed. Results: In total 11 patients with different types of myelitis developed up to 3 months after COVID-19 were enrolled in the study. Radiological findings were diverse: short transverse myelitis (lesion of fewer than 3 segments) (n = 6), longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) (n = 2), multifocal spinal cord lesions (n = 1), and myelitis involving dorsal and lateral columns (n = 2). The most pronounced response to treatment was observed in patients with partial transverse myelitis and patients with anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies (MOG Abs). Multiple comparisons have demonstrated decreased levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon-α2 (IFN-α2), IFN-β, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and increased IL-19 and B cell activating factor (BAFF) in patients with COVID-19 myelitis (CM) compared to the MS group. The highest BAFF and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) concentrations were found in patients with the most profound neurological disability. Conclusions: Myelitis associated with COVID-19 is clinically and radiologically heterogeneous. Evaluation of cytokine profiles in patients with myelitis associated with COVID-19 revealed their relative similarity with ones of MS patients, except for a few cytokines. BAFF/APRIL system as well as IL-10 is well-known for the role in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases, however, their links with COVID-19 and effects on the development of immune-mediated central nervous system (CNS) disorders after SARS-CoV-2 remain to be further studied.

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) or Chronic-Relapsing Inflammatory Optic Neuropathy (CRION)?: A Challenge in Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract&#x0D; Introduction : Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a chronic inflammatory, immune-mediated central nervous system disease targeting the AQP4-water channel membrane protein of the optic nerve and the spinal cord. This case report aims to present a case of seroconverting NMOSD which was initially diagnosed as chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy (CRION).&#x0D; Case Illustration : 15-year-old female with recurrent, steroid-dependent optic neuritis of the LE. During the first attack, brain MRI showed optic nerve inflammation with normal brain findings. Initial test for AQP4-IgG, MOG-Ab and ANA profile were negative. The diagnosis of CRION was made. Treatment with corticosteroid and immunosuppressant agent was maintained for one year. After treatment cessation, however, LE optic neuritis recurred with bilateral lower limb weakness. Spinal MRI showed signs of longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis. Re-testing for AQP4-IgG showed positive result. Diagnosis of NMOSD was made, and the patient was treated with high-dose intravenous corticosteroid followed by oral dose, and immunosuppressant. Final visual acuity of the LE was 1.0, with minimal residual visual field defect and good motor function.&#x0D; Discussion : During the initial attack, the patient did not meet the 2015 NMOSD international consensus diagnostic criteria. The AQP4-IgG was negative and no other corresponding signs and symptoms. The criteria was met one year after: optic neuritis, LETM and positive seroconversion of AQP4-IgG.&#x0D; Conclusion : Diagnosing NMOSD is at times challenging especially during initial attack. Retesting of the AQP4- IgG is at times necessary in seronegative patients, especially in children showing ADEM-like event with optic neuritis and LETM to achieve diagnosis and proper treatment strategy.

COVID-19 Associated Longitudinal Extensive Transverse Myelitis with Cerebral Spinal Fluid SARS-CoV-2 Detection

There have been multiple reports of COVID-19 associated neurological symp-toms, including several cases of para-infectious myelitis.We report a case of an 84-year-old male patient presenting with acute paraparesis coinciding with active mild COVID-19 pneumonia. Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) affecting the entire cervical cord to the tenth thoracic level, and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) was positive for SARS-CoV-2. The patient was evaluated for other causes of LETM, which were convincingly excluded. He was treated with steroid pulses and plasmapheresis, with significant imaging improvement. The patient has since made a good recovery, being now able to walk unassisted. Although several instances of COVID-19 associated myelitis have been reported, positive identification of the virus in CSF is rare. The identification of viral material may support the hypothesis of direct spinal cord infection in co-occurrence with a para-infectious inflammatory reaction.

The absence of antibodies in longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis may predict a more favourable prognosis

Background: Isolated first episodes of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) have typically been associated with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–associated disease (MOGAD). However, in some cases, serological testing and screening for other aetiologies are negative, a condition referred to as double seronegative longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (dsLETM). Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate comparative outcomes of dsLETM, MOGAD-LETM and NMOSD-LETM. Methods: Cohort study of LETM cases seen in the UK NMOSD Highly Specialised Service between January 2008 and March 2022. Results: LETM = 87 cases were identified (median onset age = 46 years (15–85); median follow-up = 46 months (1–144); 47% NMOSD-LETM = 41 (aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-IgG) positive = 36), 20% MOGAD-LETM = 17 and 33% dsLETM = 29). Despite similar Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at nadir, last EDSS was higher in AQP4-IgG and seronegative NMOSD-LETM (sNMOSD) (p = 0.006). Relapses were less common in dsLETM compared to AQP4-IgG NMOSD-LETM and sNMOSD-LETM (19% vs 60% vs 100%; p = 0.001). Poor prognosis could be predicted by AQP4-IgG (odds ratio (OR) = 38.86 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.36–1112.86); p = 0.03) and EDSS 3 months after onset (OR = 65.85 (95% CI = 3.65–1188.60); p = 0.005). Conclusion: dsLETM remains clinically challenging and difficult to classify with existing nosological terminology. Despite a similar EDSS at nadir, patients with dsLETM relapsed less and had a better long-term prognosis than NMOSD-LETM.

Disseminated Tuberculosis Presenting Section as Transverse Myelitis with Bone Marrow Involvement: A Rare Case of Pyrexia of Unknown Origin

In India, both pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) are prevalent. Central Nervous System TB (CNS-TB) is rare, with spinal intramedullary TB (SIMT) presenting as Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis (LETM) being even rarer. Diagnosing LETM often involves considering alternative aetiologies, frequently overlooking TB, particularly in patients without primary pulmonary TB. A 31-year-old male presented with high-grade fever, weight loss, and right hypochondriac pain. Initial investigations revealed pancytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly. Bone marrow biopsy showed granulomas and Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB), but there was no evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on the Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT), leading to a presumptive diagnosis of disseminated TB. The patient was started on Antitubercular Therapy (ATT) but was non compliant with his medication, resulting in worsening symptoms, including paraparesis and urinary bladder involvement. Further investigations revealed LETM and ring-enhancing lesions in the brain. Despite negative CSF CBNAAT tests, empirical ATT with corticosteroids was resumed, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was later confirmed via Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture of the bone marrow. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of disseminated TB with LETM, highlighting the importance of a high clinical suspicion and thorough evaluation, especially in endemic regions.

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, a disabling disorder with a good prognosis: a case series from Nepal.

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is a rare spinal cord disorder with variable etiologies and presentations. It can present solely or as an association with other neurological disorders. It was a series of cases of LETM in a tertiary care hospital. The initial three cases presented with bilateral lower extremity weakness and were diagnosed as transverse myelitis while, the fourth case, already diagnosed as LETM presented with seizure followed by loss of consciousness. All four cases had a good prognosis to date with continued physiotherapy. The early diagnosis of the disease helps to guide the optimal management and decide the potential need for physiotherapy.

Aquaporin-4-IgG positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in a paraneoplastic context

ObjectiveThe association between aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin-G-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG-NMOSD) and cancer via a plausible immunological response has been reported. Here, we investigated the frequency of cancer in a large cohort of patients with AQP4-IgG-NMOSD. MethodsBetween May 2005 and January 2023, patients with AQP4-IgG-NMOSD and a history of cancer were included by searching for diagnostic codes of both NMOSD and cancer in the electronic medical records and/or reviewing the database of the National Cancer Center registry of inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Probable paraneoplastic AQP4-IgG-NMOSD was defined according to the 2021 Criteria for Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome. ResultsOf 371 patients with AQP4-IgG-NMOSD, 23 (6.2%) had a history of cancer and four (1.1%) experienced NMOSD in a paraneoplastic context. Among the four patients with probable paraneoplastic AQP4-IgG-NMOSD, the types of cancer were lung (1 adenocarcinoma, 1 squamous cell carcinoma) and colorectal (2 adenocarcinomas). In three patients, the first NMOSD symptoms developed after a cancer diagnosis (median, 8 months [range, 4–23]), and one patient's symptoms preceded the cancer diagnosis (6 months). Compared to the 367 non-paraneoplastic patients, those in the paraneoplastic context had an older age at onset (median: 59.5 vs. 37 years, p = 0.012) and a higher proportion of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) as an initial manifestation (4/4[100%] vs. 130/367[35.4%], p = 0.017). ConclusionsIn a large cohort of patients with AQP4-IgG-NMOSD, the frequency of cancer was low. Older age, LETM features at onset, and adenocarcinoma as the histological type were usually observed in patients with AQP4-IgG-NMOSD in a paraneoplastic context.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adult with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: A case report

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) is a known complication arising after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection or vaccination. However, longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), which is a neurological manifestation of MIS-A, is rarely reported among individuals after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Here, we present a case of a 38-year-old female, with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection in May 2021 and subsequent SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (on November 1, 2021; COVISHIELD&amp;trade;, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Corona Virus Vaccine), who presented with acute flaccid quadriparesis with bowel and bladder involvement since December 26, 2021. While being treated in the hospital, she developed fever, rash, shock, myocarditis, breathlessness, jaundice, and acute kidney injury. Magnetic resonance Imaging revealed LETM. She was negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection and showed raised in SARS-CoV-2 antibody titer. Thus, she was diagnosed as having MIS-A with LETM and managed with Intravenous Immunoglobulin, antibiotics, hemodialysis, and steroids with improvement.

Post Varicella Neurological Complication: A Case of Transverse Myelitis

Longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis is defined as a spinal cord lesion that extends over three or more spinal segments. Varicella zoster virus is an exclusively human neurotropic virus that reactivates following the weaning of cell-mediated immunity as age advances, resulting in herpes zoster. We report the case of a 61-year lady presenting with dorsal cord longitudinally extending transverse myelitis following herpes zoster infection that resolved with immunomodulation and antivirals.

Clinical profile of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis: A study in a tertiary care hospital in Western Rajasthan

As there are wide differentials for longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), its aetiology should be found to optimise therapy.Clinical profile of LETM.ambispective observational study.73 patients with acute to subacute myelitis involving 3 or more vertebral segments were properly investigated.Student t test and Mann-whitney test used, and comparison of data done using SPSS version 22.0The etiology found were in form of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMO-SD) in 18(24.6%), para-infectious in 13(17.8%), idiopathic in 17(23.2%), infectious in 9(12.3%), and rest were acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), subacute combined degeneration (SACD), infarct, radiation myelitis etc.It is important to find etiology of LETM to optimise the therapy as the in inflammatory myelitis other than NMOSD, the line of management differs. Relapsing nature of some myelitides is an important aspect in management

The Coexisting Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Therapeutic Challenge.

Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), or Devic's disease, is an immune-mediated, usually relapsing, central nervous system (CNS) demyelination disorder associated with optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. It is characterised by the presence of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) and antibodies against water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4-immunoglobulin G [IgG]). The term NMO spectrum disorder (NMOSD) includes patients with limited forms of NMO who are at risk of recurrence. Often patients with NMO or NMOSD have an associated systemic autoimmune disease, most commonly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or Sjogren syndrome (SS) or a related profile of non-organ-specific autoantibodies. The intriguing aspect of coexisting NMOSD and SLE is whether they are independent diseases that can coexist with each other or the serological findings specific to both diseases in a patient is a non-specific finding of no prognostic or therapeutic concern. We have presented two cases of NMOSD coexisting with SLE and based upon the existing evidence in the literature we present that the two conditions are independent of each other, and, at times, it can throw a therapeutic challenge to any clinician.

The temporal relationship of paraneoplastic aquaporin-4-IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune astrocytopathy with evidence of neuroinflammation and demyelination that affects the central nervous system and is mediated by aquaporin-4 (AQP4) immunoglobulin (IgG). AQP4-IgG may also be present in paraneoplastic syndromes secondary to malignancy such as breast cancer. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature were completed using PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases (CRD42022352109). A total of 12 publications, which included 19 cases, met the inclusion criteria and were assessed in both the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. The mean age was 51.26 years (SD: 13.12, SEM: 3.01), and 100% of the cases were reported in women. Speech abnormalities and symptoms of myelopathy were the most observed neurological manifestations. MRI often revealed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) involving the cervical spine. Three of 19 (15.9%) cases were diagnosed with NMOSD and breast cancer within the same month. Five of 19 (26.1%) cases had a diagnosis of breast cancer preceding that of NMOSD. Eight of 19 (42.1%) cases were diagnosed with breast cancer after NMOSD. The median time of breast cancer diagnosis was 1.0 months (range 216 months) after NMOSD. The diagnosis of breast cancer most often occurs after the onset of the paraneoplastic NMOSD symptoms. However, a wide time range for the diagnosis of breast cancer was observed both before and after the onset of neurological symptoms. Older women with a new diagnosis of NMOSD should be considered for frequent breast cancer screening.

Cervical myelitis: a practical approach to its differential diagnosis on MR imaging.

Differential diagnosis of non-compressive cervical myelopathy encompasses a broad spectrum of inflammatory, infectious, vascular, neoplastic, neurodegenerative, and metabolic etiologies. Although the speed of symptom onset and clinical course seem to be specific for certain neurological diseases, lesion pattern on MR imaging is a key player to confirm diagnostic considerations. The differentiation between acute complete transverse myelitis and acute partial transverse myelitis makes it possible to distinguish between certain entities, with the latter often being the onset of multiple sclerosis. Typical medullary MRI lesion patterns include a) longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis, b) short-range ovoid and peripheral lesions, c) polio-like appearance with involvement of the anterior horns, and d) granulomatous nodular enhancement prototypes. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis, blood culture tests, and autoimmune antibody testing are crucial for the correct interpretation of imaging findings. The combination of neuroradiological features and neurological and laboratory findings including cerebrospinal fluid analysis improves diagnostic accuracy. · The differentiation of medullary lesion patterns, i. e., longitudinal extensive transverse, short ovoid and peripheral, polio-like, and granulomatous nodular, facilitates the diagnosis of myelitis.. · Discrimination of acute complete and acute partial transverse myelitis makes it possible to categorize different entities, with the latter frequently being the overture of multiple sclerosis (MS).. · Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) may start as short transverse myelitis and should not be mistaken for MS.. · The combination of imaging features and neurological and laboratory findings including cerebrospinal fluid analysis improves diagnostic accuracy.. · Additional brain imaging is mandatory in suspected demyelinating, systemic autoimmune, infectious, paraneoplastic, and metabolic diseases..