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Journal of Medical Case Reports

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Back Pain | Case report

Lumbar decompression and fusion for symptomatic spinal stenosis in a patient with chronic thoracic sensory level from prior transverse myelitis: a case report

Authors: Benjamin D. Pesante, Mitch R. Paro, Tooba Nadeem, Ketan R. Bulsara, David B. Choi

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Many patients with transverse myelitis suffer from sensory loss below the spinal level of the lesion. This is commonly associated with chronic neuropathic pain. However, the presence of somatic pain below a complete thoracic sensory level after transverse myelitis is exceptionally rare, and it is unclear if surgical decompression is an effective form of treatment for these patients.

Case presentation

In this report, we describe a 22-year-old Caucasian female who suffered from chronic lumbar back pain despite a complete thoracic sensory level secondary to prior transverse myelitis. Imaging demonstrated multilevel central stenosis below the sensory level, and her pain improved after surgical decompression. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of symptomatic lumbar stenosis below a sensory level after transverse myelitis successfully treated with surgical decompression.

Conclusion

This is the first reported case of a patient with symptomatic lumbar stenosis after transverse myelitis whose lower back pain and quality of life improved following surgical decompression and fusion. This case provides evidence that typical lumbago is possible in patients with sensory loss from transverse myelitis, and standard lumbar decompression may provide benefit for these patients.

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Title: Lumbar decompression and fusion for symptomatic spinal stenosis in a patient with chronic thoracic sensory level from prior transverse myelitis: a case report
Authors: Benjamin D. Pesante
Mitch R. Paro
Tooba Nadeem
Ketan R. Bulsara
David B. Choi
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Back Pain
Back Pain
Back Pain
Spinal Stenosis
Neuropathic Pain
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-04367-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Lumbar decompression and fusion for symptomatic spinal stenosis in a patient with chronic thoracic sensory level from prior transverse myelitis: a case report

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusion

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