Long survival and clinical stability in Marburg's variant multiple sclerosis

Neurol Sci. 2010 Dec;31(6):807-11. doi: 10.1007/s10072-010-0287-4. Epub 2010 May 12.

Abstract

Marburg's variant multiple sclerosis (MS) is an acute and aggressive atypical form of MS, leading frequently to death in few months. A 32-year-old man with motor and sensory symptoms suggestive of acute myelopathy, rapidly followed by cerebellar dysfunction and consciousness impairment. Clinical, laboratory and radiological evaluations suggested a central nervous system demyelinating disease. The diagnosis was Marburg's variant MS, usually leading to death in short time. He underwent different treatments, including steroids, cyclophosphamide, plasma exchange and lastly interferon-beta. The patient reached clinical stability with severe residual disability, persistent after 3 years from onset. This observation suggests that subjects with Marburg's MS might reach long clinical stability.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Interferon-beta / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / classification
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis / therapy*
  • Plasma Exchange
  • Prognosis
  • Survivors*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Interferon-beta
  • Cyclophosphamide