Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Induction and Diverse Assessment Indicators of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
06:19

Induction and Diverse Assessment Indicators of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: September 9, 2022

4.6K

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

Russell C Dale1

  • 1Neurosciences Unit, Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS trust, and the Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom. R.Dale@ion.ucl.ac.uk

Seminars in Pediatric Infectious Diseases
|July 26, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated central nervous system disorder. Prompt diagnosis and immunomodulatory treatment are crucial for managing this postinfectious condition.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a monophasic inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disorder.
  • ADEM is a postinfectious immune-mediated condition, distinct from viral encephalitis as microorganisms do not invade the CNS.
  • Clinical presentation includes encephalopathy, neurological deficits, and often optic neuritis or transverse myelitis, suggesting demyelination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
  • To differentiate ADEM from viral encephalitis based on pathophysiology and clinical presentation.
  • To highlight diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for ADEM.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical characteristics and diagnostic findings in ADEM.
  • Comparison of ADEM with viral encephalitis.
  • Discussion of immunomodulatory treatment approaches.

Main Results:

  • ADEM presents with disseminated CNS involvement, encephalopathy, and neurological signs, but typically lacks prominent seizures seen in viral encephalitis.
  • Magnetic resonance neuroimaging is key, revealing multifocal lesions in the brain and spinal cord.
  • Treatment focuses on immunomodulatory therapies, primarily steroids, due to its immune-mediated nature.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding ADEM is essential for pediatricians managing acute neurological disorders due to distinct treatment from viral encephalitis.
  • Early recognition and appropriate immunomodulatory treatment are vital for ADEM management.
  • Further clinical trials are needed to establish optimal treatment protocols for ADEM.

More Related Videos

Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy for Mouse Models of Pleural Dissemination05:39

Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy for Mouse Models of Pleural Dissemination

Published on: February 9, 2021

3.7K
Non-invasive Imaging of Disseminated Candidiasis in Zebrafish Larvae10:45

Non-invasive Imaging of Disseminated Candidiasis in Zebrafish Larvae

Published on: July 30, 2012

15.2K

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such...
635
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
4.2K
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
1.2K
Acute Respiratory Failure-I01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-I

Acute respiratory failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the lungs to perform their primary function: gas exchange. This failure leads to insufficient oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood, elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or both, causing critical impairment in organ function.
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
986
Acute Respiratory Failure-II01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-II

Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
1.1K
Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
499