Neurology. 2002 Aug 27;59(4):499-505. doi: 10.1212/wnl.59.4.499.
Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a focal inflammatory disorder of the spinal cord, resulting in motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. A set of uniform diagnostic criteria and nosology for ATM is proposed to avoid the confusion that inevitably results when investigators use differing criteria. This will ensure a common language of classification, reduce diagnostic confusion, and lay the groundwork necessary for multicenter clinical trials. In addition, a framework is suggested for evaluation of individuals presenting with signs and symptoms of ATM. Best treatment often depends on a timely and accurate diagnosis. Because acute transverse myelopathies are relatively rare, delayed and incomplete work-ups often occur. Rapid and precise diagnosis will ensure not only that compressive lesions are detected and treated but also that idiopathic ATM is distinguished from ATM secondary to a known underlying disease. Identification of etiologies may suggest medical treatment, whereas no clearly established medical treatment currently exists for idiopathic ATM. Establishment of a diagnostic algorithm will likely lead to improved care, although it is recognized that the entire evaluation may not be performed for each patient.
急性横贯性脊髓炎（ATM）是一种脊髓的局灶性炎症性疾病，可导致运动、感觉和自主神经功能障碍。现提出一套统一的ATM诊断标准和疾病分类法，以避免研究人员使用不同标准时不可避免地产生的混淆。这将确保有一个共同的分类语言，减少诊断上的混乱，并为多中心临床试验奠定必要的基础。此外，还建议了一个用于评估出现ATM体征和症状个体的框架。最佳治疗通常取决于及时准确的诊断。由于急性横贯性脊髓病相对罕见，往往会出现检查延迟和不完整的情况。快速准确的诊断不仅能确保发现并治疗压迫性病变，还能将特发性ATM与继发于已知潜在疾病的ATM区分开来。病因的识别可能提示药物治疗，而目前对于特发性ATM尚无明确确立的药物治疗方法。尽管认识到可能并非对每个患者都进行全面评估，但建立诊断算法可能会改善治疗效果。
