A case of dengue fever complicated by acute transverse myelitis

Dengue infection is now known to have varied neurological complications, involve central as well as peripheral nervous system. Only few isolated cases of acute transverse myelitis (ATM) have been reported. In this paper, we report a case of a 15-year-old female who developed acute onset quadriparesis following a dengue virus infection. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord disclosed signal-intensity abnormalities from C2 to T3. A diagnosis of ATM was considered. Because of the very rapid involvement of upper cervical cord, respiratory paralysis ensues. The patient condition necessitated her to be put on mechanical ventilation. Intravenous methylprednisolone was also given, but eventually patient expired.