Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a rare neurological condition that affects the spinal cord. Several events, including
infections, autoimmune conditions, inflammatory, and
drug-induced factors, may cause this disorder. Correct and rapid etiological diagnosis is necessary in order to start appropriate treatment that mainly consists of immunomodulating
therapy, high dose intravenous
corticosteroids, and in
plasma exchange in noninfectious cases. The outcome is varied and depends on several factors. In children, the prognosis is usually good. We report a case of an 11-year-old boy who presented with interscapular
pain, right leg steppage, homolateral hyposthenia of the upper limb, and signs of autonomic dysfunction. After performing specific and instrumental exams, a diagnosis of
transverse myelitis was reached, and appropriate
therapy was performed. A few days post-treatment, the child developed a secondary
scoliosis, involving a thoracolumbar curve with loss of cervical and lumbar
lordosis. After rehabilitative treatment was undertaken for 12 months, a complete recovery and normal restoration of spinal physiological curves was obtained. The pediatric cases of ATM have a good response to
steroid therapy combined with physiotherapy. Collaboration among the various specialists is worthwhile, in order to lead to a correct and rapid diagnosis.