Priapism in infantile transverse myelitis.

BACKGROUND

Transverse myelitis is an autoimmune neurological disorder of the spinal cord that affects individuals of all age groups, including infants.

OBJECTIVE

To report priapism as a unique clinical manifestation of infantile transverse myelitis.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

Transverse Myelitis Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.

PATIENTS: Three infants younger than 12 months.

INTERVENTIONS: Intravenous corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Clinical outcomes in infants with priapism and transverse myelitis.

RESULTS

All 3 infants demonstrated rapidly progressive quadriplegia that resulted in substantial disability and proved fatal for 1 infant.

CONCLUSION

Priapism in infants with transverse myelitis may be an indication of severe inflammation and neural injury that necessitates immediate and aggressive treatment.