THU343 Potential Association Among Enteroviruses, Acute Flaccid Myelitis And Type 1 Diabetes

Disclosure: T.A. Nguyen: None. K. Huynh: None. M. Azad: None. J.P. Perdomo Rodriguez: None. Non-polio enteroviruses, like EV-D68, caused a nationwide outbreak of respiratory illness in the US in 2014, most recently in the fall of 2021. It has been shown that EV-D68 plays a role in causing acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). In addition, the association between enterovirus infections and type 1 diabetes (T1DM) has been widely studied and established. We report a case in which a 19-year-old male consulted for progressively ascending bilateral weakness in the lower extremities. Four weeks prior, he was diagnosed with T1DM and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). On exam, he had decreased sensation to light touch, vibration, and temperature below the knees, decreased motor strength 2/5 in bilateral lower extremities, and absence of patellar and Achille reflexes. Thyroid tests, Creatinine Kinase, Aldolase, and vitamin B12 were all normal. Spine MRI showed an enhancement along the L5 and sacral roots. CSF studies were significant for the positive oligoclonal band, the elevated protein level (87gm/dL), and no white blood cell count. CSF gram stain was negative for any organisms. EBV, HSV, and HIV testing were negative. A nonspecific respiratory panel only performed at the time of diagnosis with AFM was negative. The electromyogram did not show any type of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy or evidence of myopathy. CT abdomen/pelvis demonstrated mild splenomegaly with small swollen lymph nodes of the periaortic and mesenteric area, which are commonly seen in viral infections. A Digital Subtraction Angiography study did not show any abnormality in spinal vessels. The patient received immunoglobulin and steroid, which was stopped early due to bradycardia and hyperglycemia. Neurology diagnosed the patient with AFM secondary to viral infection, in which the patient may have been infected prior to his diagnosis of DKA. The patient’s weakness resolved, and he was discharged with basal-bolus insulin and is to follow up with neurology and endocrinology outpatient. Enterovirus infection has been associated with T1DM and AFM. While the Respiratory PCR Panel was negative, it was only obtained several weeks after the onset of symptoms. Pathogenesis of extra-respiratory complications of enteroviruses may associate with viremia and systemic dissemination of the virus, which may not be detected by a respiratory PCR panel. Infection by an enterovirus remains the most likely etiology for both immune-mediated disorders, especially during a nationwide outbreak. We recommend providers consider enterovirus infection as a potential cause of AFM, and autoimmune diabetes in order to perform a throughout workup. In a patient with hyperglycemia and flaccid paralysis, T1DM should be suspected. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023