Myelitis

  • Douglas R. Nordli
  • Jacqueline A. Bello
  • Darryl C. De Vivo
Chapter
Part of the Clinical Topics in Infectious Disease book series (CLIN.TOP.INFECT)

Abstract

The term myelitis derives from the Greek roots myelos (medulla, marrow), referring to the spinal cord, and itis, connoting inflammation. It has been a controversial topic since its initial recognition, with noted authorities debating not only its classification, but also its existence. Leyden1 classified spinal necrosis under the heading of myelitis and had a bitter dispute with Oppenheim. Oppenheim2 was more progressive and was responsible for a revision of the classification of diseases of the spinal cord. He considered true myelitis a rare disease, and noted that from 1883 to 1890 he had seen only two cases at postmortem examination. Marie,3 extending the argument, denied that primary myelitis existed. Subsequently, however, many more cases were described and several large series were assembled. Authors continued to disagree as to the association with acute spinal necrosis and the etiology of myelitis remained obscure. With the advent of modern virology, it became apparent that direct viral invasion of the spinal cord could result in a myelopathy, poliomyelitis being the foremost example. Other viral agents—namely, the echoviruses—were later incriminated, and in more recent times, both herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) have been demonstrated in spinal cord. Still, a large number of cases of myelitis are idiopathic, and now are commonly referred to as acute transverse myelitis.

Keywords

Lyme Disease Systemic Lupus Erythema Transverse Myelitis Acute Transverse Myelitis Tropical Spastic Paraparesis 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag New York Inc. 1990

Authors and Affiliations

  • Douglas R. Nordli
  • Jacqueline A. Bello
  • Darryl C. De Vivo

There are no affiliations available

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