Abstract | PURPOSE OF REVIEW: RECENT FINDINGS: As research has expanded, the presentations of transverse myelitis have been clarified and the secondary causes explored. With the identification of the aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody, more patients with transverse myelitis have been categorized as having neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and more variable presentations have been published. A growing experience with various treatment options has expanded the therapeutic approaches to acute inflammatory myelopathies beyond standard corticosteroid intervention regimens. SUMMARY:
Transverse myelitis can occur in isolation or as part of a larger systemic condition. An empiric approach to patient evaluation can accelerate diagnosis of secondary conditions. Mounting evidence suggests that an aggressive approach to therapy can improve patient outcomes, but large-scale prospective trials are lacking.
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Authors | Benjamin M Greenberg, Elliot M Frohman |
Journal | Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.)
(Continuum (Minneap Minn))
Vol. 21
Issue 1 Spinal Cord Disorders
Pg. 121-31
(Feb 2015)
ISSN: 1538-6899 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 25651221
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Aquaporin 4
- Autoantibodies
- Immunologic Factors
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Topics |
- Aquaporin 4
(immunology)
- Autoantibodies
(metabolism)
- Humans
- Immunologic Factors
(metabolism)
- Inflammation
(complications)
- Spinal Cord Diseases
(etiology, immunology)
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