
Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a prevalent disease in certain tropical regions endemic for HTLV-1, being a rare entity in areas such as Europe and North America.We report two new cases of HAM/TSP in Caucasians, native from Galicia, Spain. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, clinical neurophysiologic studies and brain and spinal cord MRI scans were performed. Both patients presented a progressive chronic myelopathy, evolving to spastic paraparesis; one of them presenting with uveitis, prior to the onset of neurological symptoms. CSF analysis revealed mild lymphocytic pleocytosis and increased protein concentration with positive anti-HTLV-1 antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction was positive for HTLV-1. Oligoclonal bands were not detected. In one of the patients, MRI scans did not reveal abnormalities whilst in the other there was an elongated high intensity lesion at the thoracic spinal cord level, which resolved after treatment. No evidence of peripheral neuropathy was found. Corticosteroids and interferon alpha therapy was started, with moderate functional improvement. A history of unprotected sexual relationships while travelling to HTLV-1 endemic areas was revealed.HTLV-1-associated uveitis may predict HAM/TSP. HAM/TSP is probably an underdiagnosed disease due to the high prevalence of asymptomatic carriers, insidious clinical presentation and low suspicion index in non-endemic regions for HTLV-1. In non-tropical countries, HAM/TSP should not only be suspected in migrants from endemic areas for HTLV-1, but also in patients from communities with a tradition of migration to tropical countries.
Male, Spain, Humans, Middle Aged, Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic
Male, Spain, Humans, Middle Aged, Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 3 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
