Spinal myoclonus associated with HTLV III/LAV infection

Arch Neurol. 1986 Nov;43(11):1203-4. doi: 10.1001/archneur.1986.00520110089026.

Abstract

We describe spinal myoclonus in a 35-year-old homosexual man with concurrent human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy--associated virus (HTLV III/LAV) infection of the central nervous system as indicated by intra-blood-brain barrier synthesis of HTLV III/LAV-specific IgG. The spinal myoclonus was characterized by asymmetric, rhythmic contractions of the abdomen with a frequency ranging between 40 and 70 per minute. The myoclonus was self-limited, resolving over the course of two months. Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy--associated virus should be considered among the viral causes of spinal myoclonus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Deltaretrovirus Infections / complications*
  • Deltaretrovirus Infections / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myoclonus / etiology*
  • Myoclonus / physiopathology
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / etiology*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / physiopathology