Transverse myelitis due to Staphylococcus aureus may occur without contiguous spread.

STUDY

DESIGN

A case report of staphylococcal transverse myelitis.

OBJECTIVES

To illustrate the clinical presentation of acute transverse myelitis due to Staphylococcus aureus, without a contiguous source of infection.

SETTING

National Neuroscience Institute.

CASE REPORT: A 79-year-old female was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis. Clues to an infectious etiology included fever, raised inflammatory markers and cerebrospinal fluid neutrophilic pleocytosis. Staphylococcal etiology was established based on cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures. Despite extensive investigations, no contiguous or systemic source of infection could be identified. She was treated with appropriate antibiotics; however, neurological recovery was poor.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial myelitis may occur in isolation and the diagnosis should not be discounted when evaluation shows an absence of a contiguous or systemic source of infection.