Encephalomyelitis mimicking multiple sclerosis associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Intern Med. 2009;48(16):1453-6. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.48.2003. Epub 2009 Aug 17.

Abstract

We describe a case of encephalomyelitis mimicking multiple sclerosis associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurring after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for myelodysplastic syndrome. Immunosuppressive therapy, consisting of a therapeutic dose of cyclosporine A and a maintenance dose of methylprednisolone, was effective in treating symptoms. Although central nervous system GVHD is very rare and remains controversial, presentation of neurological symptoms after allogeneic BMT warrants consideration of GVHD in the differential diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Encephalomyelitis / diagnosis*
  • Encephalomyelitis / etiology*
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / complications
  • Graft vs Host Disease / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / etiology
  • Transplantation, Homologous / adverse effects
  • Young Adult