Acute transverse myelitis caused by Paragonimus infection: a case report and review of the literature

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a rare but severe neurological disorder that can be triggered by infections, autoimmune conditions, or other factors. While the association between parasitic infections and ATM is uncommon, Paragonimus infection can cause significant neurological damage, posing a d...

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Main Authors: Zhiguo Wen, Meiqiu Chen, Cong Xia, Yawei Sun, Yifan Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Medicine
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1506201/full
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author Zhiguo Wen
Meiqiu Chen
Cong Xia
Yawei Sun
Yifan Zhang
Yifan Zhang
author_facet Zhiguo Wen
Meiqiu Chen
Cong Xia
Yawei Sun
Yifan Zhang
Yifan Zhang
author_sort Zhiguo Wen
collection DOAJ
description Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a rare but severe neurological disorder that can be triggered by infections, autoimmune conditions, or other factors. While the association between parasitic infections and ATM is uncommon, Paragonimus infection can cause significant neurological damage, posing a diagnostic challenge. We report the case of a 65-year-old male patient who developed acute limb weakness, sensory loss, and fever following abdominal pain. Initial diagnostic tests were inconclusive; however, advanced imaging and metagenomic sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid ultimately confirmed an Paragonimus infection. After treatment with praziquantel, the patient successfully regained substantial motor function. This case highlights the need to consider parasitic infections in endemic areas and demonstrates the critical role of advanced diagnostic tools, such as metagenomic sequencing, in achieving timely diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving the patient’s prognosis.
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spelling doaj-art-931ada76e0154d6e8e53116a7936b15e2025-08-20T02:27:13ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Medicine2296-858X2025-05-011210.3389/fmed.2025.15062011506201Acute transverse myelitis caused by Paragonimus infection: a case report and review of the literatureZhiguo Wen0Meiqiu Chen1Cong Xia2Yawei Sun3Yifan Zhang4Yifan Zhang5School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaDepartment of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaDepartment of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaSchool of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaSchool of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaDepartment of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaAcute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a rare but severe neurological disorder that can be triggered by infections, autoimmune conditions, or other factors. While the association between parasitic infections and ATM is uncommon, Paragonimus infection can cause significant neurological damage, posing a diagnostic challenge. We report the case of a 65-year-old male patient who developed acute limb weakness, sensory loss, and fever following abdominal pain. Initial diagnostic tests were inconclusive; however, advanced imaging and metagenomic sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid ultimately confirmed an Paragonimus infection. After treatment with praziquantel, the patient successfully regained substantial motor function. This case highlights the need to consider parasitic infections in endemic areas and demonstrates the critical role of advanced diagnostic tools, such as metagenomic sequencing, in achieving timely diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving the patient’s prognosis.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1506201/fullParagonimus heterotremusmyelitistransversemetagenomicsclinical featuresdiagnosis
spellingShingle Zhiguo Wen
Meiqiu Chen
Cong Xia
Yawei Sun
Yifan Zhang
Yifan Zhang
Acute transverse myelitis caused by Paragonimus infection: a case report and review of the literature
Frontiers in Medicine
Paragonimus heterotremus
myelitis
transverse
metagenomics
clinical features
diagnosis
title Acute transverse myelitis caused by Paragonimus infection: a case report and review of the literature
title_full Acute transverse myelitis caused by Paragonimus infection: a case report and review of the literature
title_fullStr Acute transverse myelitis caused by Paragonimus infection: a case report and review of the literature
title_full_unstemmed Acute transverse myelitis caused by Paragonimus infection: a case report and review of the literature
title_short Acute transverse myelitis caused by Paragonimus infection: a case report and review of the literature
title_sort acute transverse myelitis caused by paragonimus infection a case report and review of the literature
topic Paragonimus heterotremus
myelitis
transverse
metagenomics
clinical features
diagnosis
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1506201/full
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