We reported an adult case of
transverse myelitis with
erythema infectiosum. A 33-year-old female was admitted to Kyoto University Hospital because of a weakness in the lower extremities and "cloth-wearing" sensation of the trunk and legs. One month before admission, she became febrile and developed a symmetrical
erythema on the extremities. At the same time she noticed a slight weakness of the legs and
numbness in her fingers and toes, which disappeared next few days. A week later, she again developed a
fever, severe weakness of the legs and "cloth-wearing" sensation on the trunk, and
erythema appeared on the cheek. Physical examination on admission revealed a weakness and
hyperreflexia in the extremities, in particular, knee and ankle jerk, and
hypesthesia of the trunk and legs below the level of Th6. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination revealed 181/mm3 cells (mononuclear cell dominant) and 30 mg/dl
protein. Magnetic resonance imaging, CT and electrophysiological studies indicated no abnormalities.
IgM antibody against human parvovirus (B19) was detected in the serum and CSF. She was diagnosed as
transverse myelitis with
parvovirus infection and was medicated with
prednisolone 40-60 mg/day, and improved gradually with the residua of a mild weakness of the legs and
hypesthesia on the trunk between the level of Th6 and Th10.