Case Conclusion
The patient was immediately started on IV corticosteroids, but as there was no improvement after 5 days, plasmapheresis was performed. She received 5 cycles of plasmapheresis and a 5-day course of IV immunoglobulin but still without any improvement. A repeat MRI of the thoracic spine was performed and raised the possibility of cord infarct, but infectious or inflammatory myelitis remained within differential consideration. The patient continued to make minimal improvement with physical therapy and, after a 3-week hospital course, she was transferred to inpatient rehabilitation for further care. Over the next 2 months, the loss of sensation and motor ability of her legs did not improve, but she did regain control of her bowels and bladder.
Dr Regina is a medical toxicology fellow in the department of emergency medicine at North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, New York. Dr Nelson, editor of “Case Studies in Toxicology,” is a professor in the department of emergency medicine and director of the medical toxicology fellowship program at the New York University School of Medicine and the New York City Poison Control Center. He is also associate editor, toxicology, of the EMERGENCY MEDICINE editorial board.