Leukomyelitis

Leukomyelitis is an inflammation of the white matter of the spinal cord and brain. This disease is characterized by damage to oligodendrocytes and nerve fiber axons.

The causes of leukomyelitis can be infectious or non-infectious. Infectious infections include viral infections (for example, measles, mumps, chickenpox), bacterial infections (tuberculosis, syphilis). Non-infectious causes include autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis), radiation injuries.

Clinical manifestations of leukomyelitis depend on the location of the lesion and include sensory disturbances, paresis and paralysis of the limbs, and pelvic dysfunction.

Diagnosis is based on MRI data of the brain and spinal cord, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease; immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids are prescribed. The prognosis depends on the cause and extent of the lesion.