ABSTRACT
In August 2018, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted an increased number of reports of patients in the U.S. having symptoms clinically compatible with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). AFM is characterized by rapid onset of flaccid weakness in one or more limbs and distinct abnormalities of the spinal cord gray matter on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical and laboratory data suggest that AFM is associated with an antecedent viral infection. AFM may be difficult to differentiate from other causes of paralysis and, given that it is rare, has the potential to be overlooked. This case highlights important clinical characteristics of AFM and emphasizes the importance of including AFM in the differential diagnosis when evaluating active duty service members and Military Health System (MHS) beneficiaries presenting with paralysis.
Subject(s)
Muscle Hypotonia/diagnosis , Myelitis/diagnosis , Acute Disease , Child , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Military Family , Muscle Hypotonia/complications , United StatesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States and is caused by infection with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. In children, neuroborreliosis usually presents as peripheral facial nerve palsy and lymphocytic meningitis and only rarely is associated with cranial polyneuritis. PATIENT DESCRIPTION: We present a 15-year-old with tinnitus, hearing loss, and facial nerve palsy in the setting of acute, severe right arm pain and a several week history of malaise and headache. Lumbar puncture was notable for lymphocytic pleocytosis. Serologic testing demonstrated positive Lyme antibody and a positive immunoglobulin M Western blot. Immunofluorescent assay of cerebrospinal fluid was also positive for anti-Lyme immunoglobulin M. Audiologic testing revealed mixed, right-sided hearing loss. Neuroimaging demonstrated cranial polyneuritis and right-sided cochlear inflammation. The patient was treated with parenteral ceftriaxone with resolution of his symptoms at close follow-up. DISCUSSION: Neuroborreliosis with radiculopathy, lymphocytic meningitis, and cranial polyneuritis is a rare presentation of pediatric Lyme disease. Additionally, cochlear inflammation along with cranial nerve VIII inflammation may contribute to hearing loss in patients with neuroborreliosis.
