Myelitis associated with influenza A virus infection

J Neurovirol. 1997 Feb;3(1):83-5. doi: 10.3109/13550289709015797.

Abstract

We report a patient presenting with myelitis after respiratory symptoms. A high level of antibodies to influenza A virus was measured in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and the serum/CSF antibody ratio was 1.7, suggesting specific antibody production in the central nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal canal showed a contrast-enhanced swelling on the cervical medulla. Such a case would have warranted the use of antiviral therapy and calls to mind the neurotropic potential of influenza A viruses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Antibodies, Viral / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / virology
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / immunology
  • Influenza A virus / isolation & purification*
  • Influenza, Human / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Influenza, Human / complications*
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelitis / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Myelitis / diagnosis
  • Myelitis / etiology*
  • Myelitis / virology
  • Viremia / virology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral