Mielopatia associada ao HTLV-I: aspectos relacionados à infância. HTLV-I associated myelopathy: aspects related to childhood.

The HTLV-I-associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is characterized by a slowly progressive spastic paraparesis associated with sphincter and sensory dysfunction. The disorder usually affects people aged from 30 to 50 years. This diagnosis is neglected by many clinicians in children who present with spastic paraparesis of progressive course. This study proposes a revision of clinical and epidemiological aspects related to HAM/TSP in children, their main mechanisms of transmission and the diagnosis criteria with suggestive neurological complaints. The detailed knowledge of clinical and laboratory that define this condition in childhood and adolescence will help to early diagnosis of this disabling neurological illness. Uniterms: HAM/TSP, childhood, cerebrospinal fluid, CSF, HTLV-I