Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis in Measles: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

We report a rare case of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), a rare but disabling condition defined as a lesion of the spinal cord that extends over four or more vertebrae on MRI, in association with measles. Measles related devastating neurological disorders include primary measles encephalitis, acute post measles encephalitis, subacute sclerosing pan encephalitis (SSPE) and measles inclusion body encephalitis (MIBE). Due to rarity of disease and poor prognosis of LETM in patients, prompt diagnosis and treatment is of critical importance for a positive clinical outcome. We provide a comprehensive perspective of past and current literature in order to aid diagnosis and management of this rare phenomenon.