title: Neuroimaging features of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in childhood.
abstract: Acute and disseminated demyelination of the central nervous system in children may have many causes. This study reports a retrospective cohort of 10 consecutive pediatric cases (5 to 17 years; mean [S.D.] 12.1 [4.3] years) with a presenting diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and the clinical and radiologic follow-up. The evolution of magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities was determined from serial studies in nine patients with a mean (S.D.) follow-up of 334.2 (312.8) days. Resolution of magnetic resonance imaging T(2) prolongation (i.e., demyelination) within 6 months of presentation was associated most commonly with a final clinical diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (including the multiphasic form), but failed to meet statistical significance (Fisher's exact test; P = 0.083). Incomplete resolution of the magnetic resonance imaging signal abnormalities yielded a statistically significant association (Fisher's exact test; P = 0.048) with an abnormal neurologic outcome. In summary, we conclude that early resolution of magnetic resonance imaging signal abnormalities or recurrent demyelination within 6 months of an acute and disseminated demyelinating event suggests the diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in children, although this association failed to meet statistical significance. However, a statistically significant association between complete resolution of magnetic resonance imaging signal abnormalities and a normal neurologic outcome was observed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Lawrence P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Richer
authors.forename: D Barry
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Sinclair
authors.forename: Ravi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bhargava
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004673:Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male