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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
[Multiple sclerosis in children]
R F Neuteboom1, C E Catsman-Berrevoets, R Q Hintzen
1Erasmus MC, afd. Neurologie, MS-centrum ErasMS, s-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam.
Insights
Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can present differently in children. Early treatment with methylprednisolone, followed by immunoglobulins or beta-interferon, effectively controlled MS in two 7-year-olds.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Pediatric MS (PMS) is rare, accounting for a small percentage of all MS cases.
- Clinical presentation of PMS can be heterogeneous, differing from adult MS.
Observation:
- Two 7-year-old children were diagnosed with MS.
- The initial clinical manifestations varied significantly between the two patients.
- One child presented with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
- The second child presented with left-sided hemiparesis.
Findings:
- Both cases of pediatric MS were successfully managed with pharmacotherapy.
- Treatment commenced with methylprednisolone in both patients.
- The first patient received subsequent treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins.
- The second patient was treated with beta-interferon.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the diverse initial presentations of MS in children.
- Prompt diagnosis and tailored pharmacotherapy are crucial for managing pediatric MS.
- The findings support the efficacy of immunomodulatory treatments in pediatric MS management.
- Further research into long-term outcomes of PMS treated with these therapies is warranted.
Abstract:
In 2 children, both aged 7 years, multiple sclerosis (MS) was diagnosed. In children, the initial clinical features of MS may vary greatly. The first patient presented with an acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and the other with a hemiparesis on the left side. In both patients, the disease was controlled by prolonged pharmacotherapy, starting with methylprednisolone and followed in the first patient by intravenous infusions of immunoglobulins and in the second patient by beta-interferon.
