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Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: an MRI/MRS longitudinal study
Lidia V Gabis1, David J Panasci, Mary R Andriola
1Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, New York, USA.
Pediatric Neurology
|May 29, 2004
Summary
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in children can be diagnosed using neuroimaging. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed specific metabolic changes indicating neuronal dysfunction and loss in ADEM.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Diagnosis often relies on clinical presentation and neuroimaging findings.
Observation:
- Two children diagnosed with ADEM presented with distinct neurological symptoms and brain lesions.
- Neuroimaging, including MRI and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy, was used for evaluation.
- Patients were treated symptomatically and showed clinical recovery.
Findings:
- 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated abnormalities in N-acetyl-aspartate, choline, and lactate during the symptomatic phase.
- Persistent low N-acetyl-aspartate was observed during recovery, suggesting neuronal loss.
- Spectroscopic findings correlate with neuropathological evidence of neuronal dysfunction, inflammation, and metabolic stress.
Implications:
- 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy can provide insights into the pathophysiology of ADEM.
- Spectroscopic changes may help differentiate ADEM from other neurological conditions.
- Understanding these metabolic alterations aids in assessing disease severity and recovery in pediatric ADEM.