Acute Transverse Myelitis as an Unusual Complication of Dengue Fever: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Dengue fever, the most prevalent arbovirus disease, has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic to dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Dengue fever has the potential to involve the nervous system. Acute transverse myelitis is a life-threatening complication of dengue fever, though rarely reported. We report a case of dengue fever-induced transverse myelitis in a 51-year-old male who presented with progressive paraplegia, sensory disturbance, and urinary retention preceded by a febrile illness, vomiting, and retro-orbital pain two weeks before. His serology was positive for immunoglobulin M (IgM) to dengue virus and non-structural protein (NS-1). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintense signals suggestive of acute transverse myelitis. After ruling out all other possible causes, a possible diagnosis of dengue fever-induced transverse myelitis was made. His condition improved gradually after starting methylprednisolone.