HTLV-1 associated myelopathy

HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM), also known as tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP), is a rare neurological disease caused by the HTLV-1 virus. The disease is characterized by slowly progressive weakness and spasticity of the lower extremities.

Etiology

HAM/TSP is caused by the HTLV-1 virus, a retrovirus that infects T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The virus is transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with HAM/TSP typically present with slowly progressive weakness, spasticity, and hyperreflexia of the lower extremities. Other symptoms may include urinary incontinence, constipation, and erectile dysfunction in men.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of HAM/TSP is based on clinical symptoms, serological testing for HTLV-1 antibodies, and exclusion of other causes of myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord may show atrophy or signal changes in the thoracic spinal cord.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for HAM/TSP. Treatment is symptomatic and may include physical therapy, antispasmodic medications, and pain management.

Epidemiology

HAM/TSP is most common in areas where HTLV-1 is endemic, such as the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and parts of Japan.

See Also

• Human T-lymphotropic virus 1
• Myelopathy
• Spasticity
• Tropical spastic paraparesis

References

HTLV-1 associated myelopathy Resources
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