A Case of Transverse Myelitis From Varicella-Zoster Virus in a Patient Who Was Immunocompetent

Transverse myelitis is a neurologic disorder that stems from focal inflammation of the spinal cord. Varicella-zoster virus can induce this disease, occurring in 0.3% of infected patients. This is a case of a 67-year-old man who presented with headache and weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging scan an...

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Main Authors: Deepa Namburi, Caitlin Harmon, Kapil Mehta
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: American College of Physicians 2024-08-01
Series:Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases
Online Access:https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/aimcc.2024.0122
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author Deepa Namburi
Caitlin Harmon
Kapil Mehta
author_facet Deepa Namburi
Caitlin Harmon
Kapil Mehta
author_sort Deepa Namburi
collection DOAJ
description Transverse myelitis is a neurologic disorder that stems from focal inflammation of the spinal cord. Varicella-zoster virus can induce this disease, occurring in 0.3% of infected patients. This is a case of a 67-year-old man who presented with headache and weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging scan and cerebrospinal fluid from lumbar puncture confirmed transverse myelitis from varicella-zoster virus. Because of the rarity of the disease, its detection can be missed, and without early recognition and treatment, this condition can cause paralysis and death. This case also underscores the importance of prophylaxis and educating patients on vaccination for prevention of the virus itself.
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series Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases
spelling doaj-art-9ed058bfee0143e190cbf2c1bebcc2cf2025-08-20T02:12:57ZengAmerican College of PhysiciansAnnals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases2767-76642024-08-013810.7326/aimcc.2024.0122A Case of Transverse Myelitis From Varicella-Zoster Virus in a Patient Who Was ImmunocompetentDeepa Namburi0Caitlin Harmon1Kapil Mehta21Department of Internal Medicine, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, Indiana1Department of Internal Medicine, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, Indiana1Department of Internal Medicine, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IndianaTransverse myelitis is a neurologic disorder that stems from focal inflammation of the spinal cord. Varicella-zoster virus can induce this disease, occurring in 0.3% of infected patients. This is a case of a 67-year-old man who presented with headache and weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging scan and cerebrospinal fluid from lumbar puncture confirmed transverse myelitis from varicella-zoster virus. Because of the rarity of the disease, its detection can be missed, and without early recognition and treatment, this condition can cause paralysis and death. This case also underscores the importance of prophylaxis and educating patients on vaccination for prevention of the virus itself.https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/aimcc.2024.0122
spellingShingle Deepa Namburi
Caitlin Harmon
Kapil Mehta
A Case of Transverse Myelitis From Varicella-Zoster Virus in a Patient Who Was Immunocompetent
Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases
title A Case of Transverse Myelitis From Varicella-Zoster Virus in a Patient Who Was Immunocompetent
title_full A Case of Transverse Myelitis From Varicella-Zoster Virus in a Patient Who Was Immunocompetent
title_fullStr A Case of Transverse Myelitis From Varicella-Zoster Virus in a Patient Who Was Immunocompetent
title_full_unstemmed A Case of Transverse Myelitis From Varicella-Zoster Virus in a Patient Who Was Immunocompetent
title_short A Case of Transverse Myelitis From Varicella-Zoster Virus in a Patient Who Was Immunocompetent
title_sort case of transverse myelitis from varicella zoster virus in a patient who was immunocompetent
url https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/aimcc.2024.0122
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