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

Abstract

A case report of staphylococcal transverse myelitis. To illustrate the clinical presentation of acute transverse myelitis due to Staphylococcus aureus, without a contiguous source of infection. National Neuroscience Institute. 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. 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.