Viral lumbosacral radiculitis (Elsberg syndrome) in Denmark
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Published:2023-11-02
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Volume:
Page:
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ISSN:0300-8126
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Container-title:Infection
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Infection
Author:
Petersen Pelle Trier,Bodilsen Jacob,Jepsen Micha Phill Grønholm,Larsen Lykke,Storgaard Merete,Hansen Birgitte Rønde,Lüttichau Hans Rudolf,Helweg-Larsen Jannik,Wiese Lothar,Andersen Christian Østergaard,Nielsen Henrik,Brandt Christian Thomas,
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
To describe clinical features and outcomes of viral lumbosacral radiculitis (Elsberg syndrome).
Methods
Nationwide population-based cohort study of all adults hospitalised for viral lumbosacral radiculitis at departments of infectious diseases in Denmark from 2015 to 2020.
Results
Twenty-eight patients with viral lumbosacral radiculitis were included (mean annual incidence: 1.2/1,000,000 adults). The median age was 35 years (IQR 27–43), and 22/28 (79%) were female. All patients had urinary retention, with 17/28 (61%) needing a catheter. On admission, at least one sign or symptom of meningitis (headache, neck stiffness, photophobia/hyperacusis) was present in 18/22 (82%). Concurrent genital herpetic lesions were present in 11/24 (46%). The median cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte count was 153 cells/µL (IQR 31–514). Magnetic resonance imaging showed radiculitis/myelitis in 5/19 (26%). The microbiological diagnosis was herpes simplex virus type 2 in 19/28 (68%), varicella-zoster virus in 2/28 (7%), and unidentified in 7/28 (25%). Aciclovir/valaciclovir was administered in 27/28 (96%). At 30 days after discharge, 3/27 (11%) had persistent urinary retention with need of catheter. At 180 days after discharge, moderate disabilities (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4) were observed in 5/25 (20%).
Conclusions
Urinary retention resolved within weeks in most patients with viral lumbosacral radiculitis, but moderate disabilities according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale were common at the end of follow-up.
Funder
Helsefonden, Denmark
Helen Rudes Fond, Denmark
A & J C Tvergaards Fond, Denmark
Minister Erna Hamiltons Legat for Videnskab og Kunst, Denmark
Nordsjællands Hospital, Denmark
Royal Library, Copenhagen University Library
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Infectious Diseases,Microbiology (medical),General Medicine
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