[Acute transverse myelopathy after intramuscular injection of benzathine-benzylpenicillin. Case report in Dakar, Senegal]

Med Trop (Mars). 2009 Jun;69(3):306.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Intramuscular injection of benzathine-benzylpenicillin can cause acute transverse myelopathy. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of acute transverse myelopathy observed after injection of benzathine-benzylpenicillin in a 38-year-old man. The patient who was married and had a history of eczema was admitted to the Department of Neurology of the Fann University Teaching Hospital in 2006. All laboratory findings were normal except high serum immunoglobulin E level. An immunoallergic reaction involving inflammatory transverse myelopathy secondary to vasculitis was proposed as the most likely underlying mechanism. Treatment with corticosteroid and physiotherapy led to a favorable outcome. Health personnel should know the indications for use of benzathine-benzylpenicillin and be aware of the possible medullary complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Myelitis / etiology*
  • Penicillin G Benzathine / administration & dosage*
  • Penicillin G Benzathine / adverse effects*
  • Penicillin G Benzathine / immunology
  • Senegal
  • Vasculitis / complications
  • Vasculitis / immunology

Substances

  • Penicillin G Benzathine