Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis--a diagnosis to consider

The case history of an 11-year-old boy with post-infectious acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is presented. ADEM is a diagnosis that is increasingly being made with the advent of modern radiological techniques. However, the syndrome cannot be thought of as a discrete clinical entity as it is triggered by a wide range of factors including infections and vaccinations. Furthermore, other pathological processes may give the same radiological appearances. The aetiology, pathophysiology and management of the syndrome are discussed.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is a radiological diagnosis that has many precipitants. Thought must be applied in developing a differential diagnosis to allow the possibility of targeting treatment at the underlying cause.