Elsberg Syndrome: Sudden Cauda Equina Syndrome After Aseptic Meningitis

Elsberg syndrome is a rare neurologic syndrome of acute or subacute lumbosacral radiculitis and myelitis with cauda equina syndrome. Commonly associated with herpes simplex virus type 2 infection, either primary or reactivation, it can occur with other viral infections or aseptic meningitis of unknown cause. We report the case of an 18-year-old man who developed cauda equina syndrome 10 days after aseptic meningitis of unknown origin. This case highlights that (1) Elsberg syndrome can result from aseptic meningitis of unknown cause and (2) when urinary retention and lower-limb weakness occur after aseptic meningitis, Elsberg syndrome should be considered.