Acute onset paraplegia in a case of granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA) – an unusual complication

Abstract

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare multisystem autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology with only a few reported cases about spinal cord involvement in the literature. We report on the case of an established GPA presented with acute onset bilateral lower limb weakness, urinary retention and faecal incontinence consistent with transverse myelitis. Contrast-enhanced MRI scanning revealed T2 hyperintensity extending from the T1 to conus medularis, without any gadolinium enhancement features suggestive of long segment myelitis. He was successfully treated with I.V IG followed by Rituximab.

Keywords:

• Vasculitis
• myelitis
• paraplegia

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We obtained the patient’s written consent for this publication before submitting this article.

Conflict of interest

None.

Ethical approval

Not applicable.