Case Report: HTLV-1-Induced Adult T-Cell Leukemia and Tropical Spastic Paresis

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2021 Sep 20;105(5):1298-1300. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1656.

Abstract

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a retrovirus endemic in many areas around the world. HTLV-1 can induce the development of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) or myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). We report a patient who presented to our outpatient clinic with massive splenomegaly, weight loss, urinary retention, and lower extremity weakness for the previous 3 years. The patient was found to have positive HTLV-1 by ELISA and Western blot from peripheral blood. Evaluation of the spleen demonstrated T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia consistent with ATL. In addition to progressive lower extremity weakness, hyperreflexia and clonus, cerebral spinal fluid was positive for HTLV-1 by ELISA and had a reversed CD4-to-CD8 ratio consistent with HAM/TSP. These findings suggest HTLV-1 induced ATL and HAM/TSP presenting simultaneously in the same patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Iran
  • Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell / blood*
  • Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use*
  • Travel*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Prednisone