Keywords
encephalomyelitis, acute disseminated; ADEM; demyelinating autoimmune diseases; CNS; autoimmune diseases of the nervous system; leukoencephalitis, acute hemorrhagic; immunoglobulins, intravenous
Disciplines
Allergy and Immunology | Behavioral Medicine | Biological Phenomena, Cell Phenomena, and Immunity | Family Medicine | Internal Medicine | Medical Immunology | Medical Neurobiology | Medical Pathology | Medical Physiology | Neurology | Neurosciences | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatry | Radiology | Substance Abuse and Addiction
Abstract
Introduction: Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Clinical manifestations include encephalopathy, motor deficits, ataxia, and meningeal signs. In most cases, ADEM is preceded by either vaccination or viral illness. Here, we present a case with neither of the two predisposing elements.
Discussion: A 28-year-old Hispanic female presenting with substance use and suicidal ideation was placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold, started on olanzapine and scheduled for a psychiatric facility transfer. The following day, she was noted to have neurological deficits when ambulating. Computed tomography of the brain showed a right frontal lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was notable for multiple peripherally enhancing white matter lesions. Multiple sclerosis and other etiologies were ruled out through supporting tests and lumbar puncture. ADEM was suspected, and the patient was treated with both a five-day course of intravenous methylprednisolone as well as immune globulins. She continued to have mild expressive aphasia after treatment; however, the majority of her symptoms improved.
Conclusions: Diagnosis of ADEM versus multiple sclerosis can be difficult given there are no current diagnostic criteria for it in the adult population. In this case, we explain how we reached a diagnosis of ADEM and provide further discussion regarding the disease course and treatment.
Recommended Citation
Hatharasinghe, Ashan; Akhondi, Hossein; and Pepito, Don
(2020)
"Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis,"
HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine: Vol. 1:
Iss.
2, Article 5.
DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.1038
Available at:
https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/hcahealthcarejournal/vol1/iss2/5
Included in
Allergy and Immunology Commons, Behavioral Medicine Commons, Biological Phenomena, Cell Phenomena, and Immunity Commons, Family Medicine Commons, Internal Medicine Commons, Medical Immunology Commons, Medical Neurobiology Commons, Medical Pathology Commons, Medical Physiology Commons, Neurology Commons, Neurosciences Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychiatry Commons, Radiology Commons, Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons
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