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Published in: BMC Neurology 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Case report

LETM presented with causalgia and ensued by sudden death

Authors: Rana Alnasser Alsukhni, Yasmin Aboras, Ziena Jriekh, Mahmoud Almalla, Ahmad Sheikh El-Kahwateya

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis LETM is a specific pattern of myelitis wherein at least three continuous vertebral segments are involved. Characteristically, it is a defining feature of neuromyelitis optica NMO. However, it is described in many other etiologies.

Case presentation

We present a case of 60 year old male who presented with symptoms and signs of regional sympathetic dystrophy RSD followed by symptoms of myelitis. Spinal cord MRI revealed cervical LETM extending to the brainstem. In spite of serological negativity, treatment of suspected neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder NMOSD was initiated and resulted in symptom relief. Meanwhile, sudden death occurred and autonomic dysreflexia was the main culprit.

Conclusions

This case suggests that RSD could be the mere primary presentation of LETM, discusses the differential diagnoses of LETM in elderly patients, and suggests the possible risk of autonomic dysreflexia in such patients.
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Metadata
Title
LETM presented with causalgia and ensued by sudden death
Authors
Rana Alnasser Alsukhni
Yasmin Aboras
Ziena Jriekh
Mahmoud Almalla
Ahmad Sheikh El-Kahwateya
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-017-0791-8

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