Acute flaccid myelitis and enterovirus D68: lessons from the past and present

Conclusion: This review presents the current knowledge on acute flaccid myelitis with respect to the clinical presentation and its differential diagnosis with Guillain-Barr é syndrome and acute transverse myelitis. We also discuss the association with enterovirus D68 and the presumed pathophysiological mechanism of this infection causing anterior horn cell damage. Sharing clinical knowledge and insights from basic research is needed to make progress in diagnosis, trea tment, and prevention of this new polio-like disease.What is Known:•Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a polio-like condition characterized by rapid progressive asymmetric weakness, together with specific findings on MRI• AFM has been related to different viral agents, but recent outbreaks are predominantly associated with enterovirus D68.What is New:•Improving knowledge on AFM must increase early recognition and adequate diagnostic procedures by clinicians.• The increasing incidence of AFM urges cooperation between pediatricians, neurologists, and microbiologists for the development of treatment and preventive options.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research