Case report shows gradual neurological improvement after treatment for transverse myelitis in a dengue infection, suggesting early intervention is critical.
Introduction Dengue is an arbovirus with significant global prevalence that can lead to severe neurological complications, such as longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LEMT). Case report We describe a 36-year-old man who developed sudden paraparesis and urinary retention approximately ten days after dengue infection. MRI revealed longitudinal hyperintense lesions in the cervical and thoracic spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an inflammatory pattern and dengue serology was positive. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and rehabilitation, leading to gradual neurological improvement and functional recovery. Discussion Post-dengue transverse myelitis may result from parainfectious or post-infectious autoimmune mechanisms, often accompanied by demyelination and spinal cord inflammation. The low rate of DENV IgM in the CSF reinforces the immune-mediated hypothesis. Prognosis varies depending on the early intervention and the extent of spinal injury. Underreporting remains a challenge, and future studies should explore biomarkers and develop standardized management protocols.
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Pires et al. (2026) studied this question.
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