A Rare Pediatric Encounter: Transverse Myelitis With Subacute Bilateral Lower Extremity Weakness

• Published in: Cureus Vol. 15; no. 9; p. e46041
• Main Authors: Arif, Aleena, Masood, Quratulain Fatima, Chowdhury, Nadia M, Affaf, Maryam, Thabrew Wijeratne, Gavitha N
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01-09-2023
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46041

This case report provides a comprehensive overview of a rare instance of transverse myelitis (TM) in an 11-year-old male who presented with subacute bilateral lower extremity weakness, sensory loss, and bowel/bladder dysfunction. Diagnostic evaluations, including MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, confirmed TM. Management with high-dose intravenous corticosteroids and rehabilitative therapies led to symptom stabilization and modest recovery, although some permanent deficits are anticipated. The report highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention in pediatric patients with acute neurologic symptoms localized to the spinal cord. It contributes to the existing literature by detailing the clinical and diagnostic features of pediatric TM, aiding in early recognition and management to minimize permanent disability. Future research should focus on understanding the underlying pathophysiology with a view to developing targeted therapies.