Post-COVID-19 longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis: is it a new entity?

Acute transverse myelitis progressing to permanent quadriplegia following COVID-19 infection

“…Transverse myelitis (TM) is an uncommon neurological syndrome characterized by acute or subacute spinal cord dysfunction that can lead to paresthesias, sensory and autonomic impairment, and even paralysis [ 3 ]. It is usually in a predictable distribution below a specific spinal root [ 3 ]. The annual incidence of TM ranges from about 1.34 to 4.60 cases per million people [ 3 ].…”

“…It is usually in a predictable distribution below a specific spinal root [ 3 ]. The annual incidence of TM ranges from about 1.34 to 4.60 cases per million people [ 3 ]. TM incidence is typically bimodal, peaking in the second and fourth decades of life with approximately half of patients having a preceding infection [ 3 ].…”

“…The annual incidence of TM ranges from about 1.34 to 4.60 cases per million people [ 3 ]. TM incidence is typically bimodal, peaking in the second and fourth decades of life with approximately half of patients having a preceding infection [ 3 ]. Etiologies are often unclear, as potential causes include infection, neoplastic, drug or toxin induced, autoimmune, and acquired [ 3 ].…”

“…TM incidence is typically bimodal, peaking in the second and fourth decades of life with approximately half of patients having a preceding infection [ 3 ]. Etiologies are often unclear, as potential causes include infection, neoplastic, drug or toxin induced, autoimmune, and acquired [ 3 ]. Diagnosis is often made by MRI to look specifically for surrounding spinal cord abnormalities.…”

“…Diagnosis is often made by MRI to look specifically for surrounding spinal cord abnormalities. Common treatments include a steroid regimen and plasmapheresis, while keeping in mind to avoid the offending agent if one is identified [ 3 ].…”