Human T lymphotropic virus type-1-associated myelopathy manifesting shortly after living-donor renal transplantation

Intern Med. 2015;54(1):75-8. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.54.2950. Epub 2015 Jan 1.

Abstract

A 38-year-old woman experienced numbness in both lower extremities and spastic paralysis a few months after undergoing living-donor renal transplantation. The patient was negative for human T lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) antibodies prior to the procedure; however, she was diagnosed with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM) based on positive serum and cerebrospinal fluid antibody titers after the surgery. Because the donor was also positive for HTLV-1 antibodies, the infection likely originated from the transplanted kidney. Clinical and imaging improvements were noted following the administration of interferon-α. HAM has been reported to occur after living-donor renal transplantation; however, there are no previous reports of onset within such a short period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Living Donors*
  • Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic / diagnosis
  • Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic / drug therapy*
  • Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic / virology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon-alpha