HTLV-1 encephalitis
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
King-Robson, Josh
Hampton, Timothy
Rosadas, Carolina
Taylor, Graham P
Stanton, Biba
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
A 53-year-old woman developed subacute onset of upper limb weakness, sensory loss and cerebellar dysfunction. She was known to have human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy. MR scan of the brain showed extensive T2 hyperintensity within the deep and subcortical white matter, with punctate contrast enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was lymphocytic with very high levels of HTLV-1 provirus in both CSF and peripheral blood lymphocytes. We diagnosed HTLV-1 encephalomyelitis and started high-dose methylprednisolone followed by a slow corticosteroid taper. She recovered well and regained functional independence in the upper limbs. Neurological manifestations of HTLV-1 infection extend beyond classical 'tropical spastic paraparesis' and are under-recognised. We review the literature on HTLV-1 encephalitis and discuss its diagnosis and management.
Date Issued
2022
Date Acceptance
2021-07-22
Citation
Practical Neurology, 2022, 22 (1), pp.60-63
ISSN
1474-7766
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Start Page
60
End Page
63
Journal / Book Title
Practical Neurology
Volume
22
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34462338
PII: practneurol-2021-003053
Subjects
HTLV1
infectious diseases
myelopathy
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Date Publish Online
2021-08-30