Recurrent transverse myelitis, myasthenia gravis, and autoantibodies

Abstract

A 45‐year‐old man with a longstanding diagnosis of myasthenia gravis presented with four episodes of transverse myelitis in 5 years. Each episode improved after treatment with steroids. Laboratory studies revealed no evidence of multiple sclerosis or a structural spinal lesion. He had antinuclear and anti‐DNA antibodies and the HLA‐A1, B8, DR3 haplotype known to be associated with certain autoimmune diseases. We propose an autoimmune cause for the recurrent episodes of myelitis.