TM

 Q: Transverse myelitis (TM) usually affects? (select one)

A) thoracic cord 

B) lumbar cord 

 Answer: A

Transverse myelitis is a segmental spinal cord acute inflammation. Although described as idiopathic and/or an autoimmune process, it can be associated with preceding infection, multiple sclerosis (MS), or connective tissue diseases like SLE, sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It usually strikes limited segments in the thoracic cord. Symptoms progressed rapidly with leg weakness. It can also cause autonomic dysfunction with bowel and bladder incontinence.  

Treatment includes steroids, immunosuppressives, and immunomodulators.

#neurology

References:

1. Brinar VV, Habek M, Brinar M, et al. The differential diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2006; 108:278.

2. West TW. Transverse myelitis--a review of the presentation, diagnosis, and initial management. Discov Med. 2013 Oct;16(88):167-77. PMID: 24099672.

3. Borchers AT, Gershwin ME. Transverse myelitis. Autoimmun Rev. 2012 Jan;11(3):231-48. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2011.05.018. Epub 2011 May 18. PMID: 21621005.