Significance of magnetic resonance tomography in disseminated encephalomyelitis

23 out of 24 patients with multiple sclerosis showed multiple, distinct lesions on investigation with cerebral nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR). Arguments for the specific relationship of these lesions to demyelinating foci are: 1. Morphology and pattern of distribution agree to the known pathological observations. 2. Single lesions shown by computerized tomography (CT) were similarly located to lesions shown by NMR. The morphology and distribution of the lesions in the NMR show a common pattern largely independent of the individual neurological deficits. The nuclear magnetic resonance imaging is a method of high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. It offers valuable additional information in particular for early diagnosis and in cases of diagnostic uncertainty.     

Diagnostic value of magnetic resonance tomography in disseminated encephalomyelitis

In 83 of 86 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) demonstrated lesions consistent with the clinical diagnosis. All the patients had either clinically typical MS oralaboratory-confirmed diagnosis of MS. The sensitivity of MRI is compared to those of computed tomographic (CT) scanning, evoked potential testing and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The features of MS revealed by MRI are interpreted in terms of the macroscopic pathology and correlated with the clinical findings. The importance of particular findings (cystic appearance of lesions, spread of periventricular patches into the centrum semiovale) for the patients prognosis in stressed.     

Serial cerebral CT abnormalities in relapsing acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

A 7 year old girl developed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis following a Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory infection. The illness followed a relapsing course during the first two months. Computed tomography (CT) showed cerebral lesions of a severity and extent out of proportion to the clinical manifestations. The CT abnormalities altered with changes in her clinical state.     

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: the importance of early magnetic resonance imaging

The diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is frequently missed or delayed with consequent delay in instituting therapy in the crucial phase of the illness. The role of MRI in the diagnosis of ADEM is well established, however, the value of its early utilization of treatment on the outcome of patients has not been adequately stressed. Three patients with ADEM are described. Delay in the diagnosis of the first was associated with severe sequelae, while in the other two early diagnosis and institution of corticosteroid therapy which was facilitated by MRI, was associated with a better outcome. MRI should be carried out early once the diagosis of ADEM is entertained.     

对急性播散性脑脊髓炎的再认识

急性播散性脑脊髓炎(acute disseminated encephalomyelitis,ADEM)是一种免疫介导的、临床表现多样的、广泛累及中枢神经系统(CNS)白质的特发性炎症脱髓鞘疾病(idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating diseases,IIDDs)~([1]),常见于儿童与青少年,往往与感染、疫苗接种有关.     

Imaging of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a monophasic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system typically affecting the gray and the white matter of the brain and spinal cord in multiple locations. In the acute stages, ADEM is characterized histologically by perivenous edema, demyelination, and infiltration with macrophages and lymphocytes, with relative axonal sparing, whereas the late course of the disease is characterized by perivascular gliosis.     

A case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis after renal transplantation]

We report a patient of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in a recipient of renal transplantation. A 43-year-old man suffered from generalized convulsion and consciousness disturbance followed by coma on day 53 of after the transplantation. He was receiving several immunosuppressants, and an increase of serum antigen for cytomegalovirus was observed one day before the ictus. T2 and diffusion-weighted image of MRI showed high intensity lesions in the bilateral cerebral white matter, basal ganglia, thalamus, midbrain, pons and cerebellum. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid revealed elevated myelin basic protein level. The patient was diagnosed as having ADEM and was treated with methylpredonisolone pulse therapy in combination with intravenous immune globulin. He gradually recovered and became capable to eat and sit on a wheel chair. White matter lesions on MRI were also diminished. ADEM may occur in recipients of organ transplantation even if they have immunosuppressive treatment.     

Magnetic resonance imaging in childhood disseminated encephalomyelitis

We report the magnetic resonance imaging features in two children with post-infectious disseminated encephalomyelitis. Magnetic resonance imaging dramatically demonstrated multiple white matter lesions in both children and resolution of lesions in conjunction with clinical recovery. These cases indicate that magnetic resonance imaging has considerable diagnostic utility in disseminated encephalomyelitis of childhood.     

Fulminant acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in children

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a typically monophasic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with a favorable outcome. However, 2% of ADEM involves acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE), which is a fulminant and hyperacute variant of ADEM with a poor outcome and high mortality. There are limited case reports of fulminant ADEM including AHLE in children. Herein, we report two pediatric cases of fulminant ADEM. Both cases had a rapid deterioration of consciousness, repetitive seizures, and brain edema on neuroimaging, in addition to atypical neuroradiological findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a reversible splenial lesion in case 1, and bilateral frontal and occipital cortical lesions in case 2. Both cases were treated with early high-dose methyl-prednisolone and immunoglobulin, while therapeutic hypothermia was also initiated in case 2 after the patient exhibited a decerebrate posture and irregular breathing pattern. Both cases had a favorable outcome. Further case reports on pediatric fulminant ADEM are required to clarify the various clinical types, and to examine the efficacy of various treatment modalities for fulminant ADEM and AHLE in children.     

Plasmapheresis in fulminant acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

We report an 11-year-old girl with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) who developed respiratory failure and coma despite the use of corticosteroid and intravenous immunoglobulin. We performed plasmapheresis four times, which improved her level of consciousness, hyperesthesia, external ophthalmoplegia and muscle weakness, and led to the normalization of brain and spinal cord MRI. Plasmapheresis might be an effective treatment in cases of fulminant ADEM.     

Autonomic dysreflexia in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

Autonomic dysreflexia occurs in patients with spinal cord injury, and is characterized by unbalanced sympathetic discharge, precipitated by noxious stimuli from a site below the spinal cord lesion. An 11-year-old boy with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and spinal cord involvement manifested episodes of intense flushing and sweating, confined to the head and neck region, and associated with hypertension and tachycardia. His signs improved after changing a partly blocked bladder catheter. The clinical features suggested autonomic dysreflexia. Early recognition of autonomic dysreflexia is important because removal of the trigger precipitating the event may be life-saving.     

Computed tomography in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

Computed tomographic (CT) scans were obtained for eleven patients with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADE). Four patients had normal CT scans despite repeated examination. Abnormalities were found in seven patients and included cortical-enhancing lesions, low-density lesions in the deep white matter and basal ganglia, and edema of the brainstem. These findings support the hypothesis that both vascular injury and demyelination are involved in the pathogenesis of ADE. A delay between the onset of clinical signs and the appearance of lesions on CT scan was common. Clinical improvement was accompanied by improvement in CT abnormalities. There was a limited correlation between the clinical course and the anatomical distribution and type of abnormality seen on CT scan.     

A case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis accompanying Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection]

We report a 30-year-old man with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) accompanying Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) infection. He was admitted to our hospital because of headache, disturbed behavior, and unconsciousness following an upper respiratory tract infection on December 19, 1996. On admission, he was febrile (37.3 degrees C) and showed hypersomnia and neck stiffness. There were scattered rhonchi in both lungs. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contained 19 white cells; the protein was 20 mg/dl and glucose 71 mg/dl (blood glucose 170 mg/dl); no organisms were seen or cultured. Cranial MRI showed multiple T 2-weighted hyperintense in the periventricular region of the cerebral white matter. M. pneumoniae antibody titer in serum was remarkably elevated. ADEM related to M. pneumoniae was suspected. Although intravenous methylprednisolone, piperacillin and clindamycin were administered, there was no subsequent improvement in the symptoms. Further MRI scan revealed extension of the inflammatory lesion. He had both pneumonia and he required mechanical ventilation. Since the end of the critical period, he has been in an akinetic mutism. We conclude that M. pneumoniae has to be considered as a possible cause of ADEM with severe respiratory symptoms.