Three Cases of ldiopathic Longitudinal Myelitis: Approach to a Novel Concept

Abstract

Background: Transverse myelitis (TM) is an intramedullary disorder of spinal cord function. The pathogenesis is not really known. Although most cases are idiopathic, TM has been reported in association with many diseases. In the base of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, there are not many studies in idiopathic TM. Commonly one to 4 spinal segments of spinal cord, especially thoracic or cervical portions, are involved. Case report: In the present report, we described three patients with involvement of more than 4 spinal segments longitudinally and we presented 1 year follow-up outcome of their neurologic statement. Three patients with an idiopathic transverse myelitis who had more than 4 spinal segment involvement were presented. Conclusion: It is concluded that all of our patients had a longitudinal involvement (more than 4 segments) of spinal cord in MRI and longitudinal myelitis was not common in idiopathic transverse myelitis and was probably associated with poor prognosis.