Human t-cell virus-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis: a case report

Abstract

Human T-cell virus-1 associated myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis is a chronic progressive neurological disorder with dominant features affecting the pyramidal tract and posterior column. It has of recent been unequivocally linked to a viral infection, Human Lymphotropic T Virus infection is estimated to infect about 10-20million people worldwide. Its geographical distribution varies with area of high prevalence in the Caribbean, southern Japan and Africa. Human T-cell lymphtropic virus-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis is more common in the
tropics and present as a non-compressive, slowly progressive symmetrical paraparesis of the lower extremities with signs of pyramidal tract involvement. We reviewed the clinical features and the management of two cases of Human T-cell lymphtropic virus-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis. A literature review of Human T-Cell virus-1 associated myelopathy / tropical spastic paraparesis.