HTLV-I-associated myelopathy in a patient with chronic renal failure.

Abstract

A case of human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I (HTLV-I)-associated myelopathy (HAM) occurring in a 62-year-old Japanese male with a history of hemodialysis and repeated blood transfusions due to chronic renal failure (CRF) is reported. The patient was a lifelong resident of Chiba Prefecture, a nonendemic area for HTLV-I infections. The clinical course was characterized by abrupt onset and rapid progression of neurological signs and symptoms, which appeared to have responded quite well to prednisolone. Although patients with a history of CRF, hemodialysis, and transfusion of blood units which were not screened for anti-HTLV-I antibodies appear to belong to the high risk group for HTLV-1 infections and subsequent development of HAM, reports on such cases have been scanty. Only 3 cases have been reported to date. It appears quite possible that many patients with CRF and HAM remain misdiagnosed.

• Authors: K Tamba, Y Miyauchi, N Irabu, S Murakami
• Journal: Nephron (Nephron) Vol. 66 Issue 3 Pg. 351-3 ( 1994) ISSN: 1660-8151 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 8190191 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• HTLV-I Infections (etiology)
• Humans
• Kidney Failure, Chronic (complications, therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Spinal Cord Diseases (microbiology)
• Transfusion Reaction