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This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) CME: Take the course for this article: Volume 59, Number 4, August 27, 2002 Correspondence: Submit a response Correspondence: View responses Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Correspondence are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Transverse Myelitis Consortium Working Group*, Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Transverse Myelitis Consortium Working Group*, Related Collections All Immunology All Spinal Cord All Demyelinating disease (CNS) Multiple sclerosis Devic's syndrome Transverse myelitis

Proposed diagnostic criteria and nosology of acute transverse myelitis

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Douglas Kerr, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Pathology 627C, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287-6965; e-mail: dkerr{at}jhmi.edu

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a focal inflammatory disorder of the spinal cord, resulting in motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. A set of uniform diagnostic criteria and nosology for ATM is proposed to avoid the confusion that inevitably results when investigators use differing criteria. This will ensure a common language of classification, reduce diagnostic confusion, and lay the groundwork necessary for multicenter clinical trials. In addition, a framework is suggested for evaluation of individuals presenting with signs and symptoms of ATM. Best treatment often depends on a timely and accurate diagnosis. Because acute transverse myelopathies are relatively rare, delayed and incomplete work-ups often occur. Rapid and precise diagnosis will ensure not only that compressive lesions are detected and treated but also that idiopathic ATM is distinguished from ATM secondary to a known underlying disease. Identification of etiologies may suggest medical treatment, whereas no clearly established medical treatment currently exists for idiopathic ATM. Establishment of a diagnostic algorithm will likely lead to improved care, although it is recognized that the entire evaluation may not be performed for each patient.

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