Myelin insults differentials on MRI in children: In the light of an ADEM case

Radiol Case Rep. 2023 Nov 10;19(1):408-413. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2023.08.107. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an acute and rapidly progressive auto-immune demyelinating disorder in the central nervous system. It is a rare disease but is more frequently observed in the pediatric population. We report a case of a monophasic postvaccination ADEM, which presented with paraparesis associated with fever. It showed a favorable evolution under corticosteroids, without recurrence after 3 years of follow-up. The diagnosis was established due to the postvaccination context and the MRI abnormalities characteristics. This case prompted a general discussion about the etiologies of myelin insults in children, especially demyelinating disorders, by shedding the light on their MRI features.

Keywords: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis; Demyelinating diseases; MRI; Pediatrics; Vaccination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports