Dermatologic manifestations in HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis

The human T cell lymphotropic virus type-1 ( HTLV-1) is associated  with  adult  T cell  leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and other  disorders, including  a slowly progressive  demyelinating paraparesis, known as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic  paraparesis  ( HAM/TSP). Dermatologic manifestations are common in patients infected with HTLV-1 infection. In this study, we evaluated the dermatologic lesions associated with HAM/TSP patients in Mashhad.

Dermatological  findings  of  37  patients  with  HAM/TSP  were  investigated  and  were  compared  with  those of a  HTLV-1 negative control  group. Cutaneous biopsy was performed as needed and the results were statistically analyzed.

Results of the present study showed that 34 cases with HAM/TSP (91.9%) and 24 cases in control group (64.9%) had at least one skin lesion or history of skin lesion before (p=0.010). Xerosis was found in 22 persons (59.5%) in the case group and 4 persons in the control group (10.8%) (p=0.000). Only Xerosis was significantly associated with HAM/TSP.  

Skin manifestations were quite frequent in the patients with HAM/TSP. Xerosis was significantly associated with HAM/TSP.