Paraplegia associated with brucellosis involving the anterior lumbrosacral nerve roots

J Peripher Nerv Syst. 2003 Mar;8(1):8-12. doi: 10.1046/j.1529-8027.2003.03002.x.

Abstract

We report the case of a 21-year-old man with paraplegia due to brucellosis involvement of lumbosacral anterior roots. Lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging showed contrast enhancement of anterior roots and the anterior part of duramater. Conduction block was found at the level of the lumbosacral anterior roots by electrophysiological studies, including magnetic stimulation study. Wright agglutination, Rose Bengal tests and bacterial culture obtained from cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the diagnosis of neurobrucellosis. Oral administration of ceftriaxon with additional rifampin was effective, and after 3 months of treatment, laboratory data resolved and clinical signs partially improved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brucellosis* / blood
  • Brucellosis* / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Humans
  • Lumbosacral Region / microbiology
  • Lumbosacral Region / pathology
  • Lumbosacral Region / physiopathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Paraplegia / diagnosis*
  • Paraplegia / microbiology*
  • Paraplegia / physiopathology
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / microbiology
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / pathology
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / physiopathology*