title: [Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is an important differential diagnosis in the acutely affected child].
abstract: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated inflammatory paediatric disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). ADEM primarily affects the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. The aetiology of ADEM is unknown, but the illness is often precipitated by an infection, less often by vaccination. ADEM is characterized by acute polyfocal CNS deficit, including encephalopathy. This can be seen on MRI as simultaneously occurring multifocal lesions. Empirical treatment with steroids or immunoglobulins is often used. The prognosis of ADEM is usually favourable. This article describes two Danish cases both demonstrating trait characteristics of ADEM as well as the importance of an MRI considering an ADEM diagnosis early in the course of the illness.
authors.affiliation: Nørrebrogade 217, 2. th., 2200 København N. olofsson.isa@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Isa Amalie
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Olofsson
authors.forename: Liselotte
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Skov
authors.forename: Maria Jose
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Miranda
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004673:Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids