Abstract

ANTEZANA SILES, Alejandro N; VALLEJOS, Rodrigo A.  and  ANTEZANA, Ariel O. Longitudinal transverse myelitis: similar presentations, different etiologies. Gac Med Bol [online]. 2016, vol.39, n.2, pp.99-102. ISSN 1012-2966.

Longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is defined as a spinal cord lesion that compromise 3 or more vertebral segments. Clinical presentation varies and will depend on the anatomical area that is compromised including paraparesis, paraplegia, paresthesia or sensory loss of any modalities and urinary or bowel symptoms. The etiologies are several such as toxic - metabolic abnormalities, inflammatory or infectious. Here in we present three interesting cases of LETM; the first case is a young patient with neuromyelitis optica; the second a case of neurosarcoidosis and the last case a toxic myelopathy secondary to nitrous oxide abuse. All of them with similarities in their clinical and radiologic presentation but with different etiologies highlighting the importance of obtaining a good medical history.

Keywords : Transverse myelitis; neuromyelitis optica; neurosarcoidosis; nitrous oxide.

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