Systemic panca-associated vasculitis with central nervous involvement causing recurrent myelitis: case report

BMC Neurol. 2010 Nov 30:10:118. doi: 10.1186/1471-2377-10-118.

Abstract

Background: We report on the case of an established perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA) associated renal vasculitis being treated with prednisolone and rituximab, where the patient presented with leg weakness, urinary and faecal incontinence and buttock pain consistent with transverse myelitis.

Case presentation: The patient underwent MRI scanning showing patchy cord enhancement from T10 to the conus, which was suggestive of a cord malignancy. Prior to a cord biopsy, he was treated with steroids and a repeat MRI showed resolution of the original lesion with a new similar lesion from C7 to T3.

Conclusions: He made a marked recovery after further treatment with high dose steroids and plasma exchange.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / complications*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Myelitis / diagnosis
  • Myelitis / etiology*
  • Myelitis / therapy
  • Plasma Exchange
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / complications*

Substances

  • Methylprednisolone