Behcet’s disease presenting with sudden-onset paraplegia due to anterior spinal artery involvement: 1-year follow-up of rehabilitation in conjunction with medication

Abstract

A 26-year-old male patient with sudden-onset paraplegia was presented. Clinical and imaging evaluation revealed isolated spinal cord lesions at thoracal levels and anterior spinal arterial involvement. Diagnosis of Behcet’s disease was established with associating clinical findings with medical history. Vigorous medication and rehabilitation program were performed. Through the 1-year rehabilitation period in conjunction with medication, strength and functions improved gradually. A satisfactory functional gain as a rehabilitative goal in independence in activities of daily living and long-distance ambulation achieved around 4 months. The patient reached full independence after 1-year. As conclusion, Behcet’s disease can present with sudden-onset paraplegia. In case of no evident etiology for paraplegia in young male, neuro-Behcet’s disease also should be kept in mind. Contrary to assumption, early aggressive treatment and continuous rehabilitation in conjunction with medication might provide good prognosis with excellent clinical outcome in spinal cord involvement. Satisfactory functional recovery should be expected only after 3–4 months, and complete independence can be achieved after 1 year.