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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
26:48
Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: July 4, 2007
Childhood multiple sclerosis mimicking acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
Maitreyi Basu1, Tapomay Banerjee, Sibarjun Ghosh
1Department of Pediatric Medicine, R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata, India. maitreyibasu27@yahoo.co.in
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|November 12, 2009
Summary
Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) is rare and can mimic acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in children. Long-term follow-up is crucial for diagnosing MS in pediatric patients initially presenting with ADEM-like symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is typically diagnosed in early to middle adulthood.
- Childhood-onset MS is uncommon and often presents atypically.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms resembling acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and altered sensorium before age 10.
- Clinical presentation differed significantly from typical adult-onset MS.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of MS was confirmed through a 3.5-year follow-up showing a relapsing-remitting course.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive white matter demyelination.
- Visual evoked potentials and cerebrospinal fluid analysis supported the diagnosis of demyelination.
Implications:
- Children initially diagnosed with ADEM require extended monitoring.
- Early identification and long-term follow-up are essential for pediatric MS diagnosis.
- This case highlights the importance of considering MS in children with atypical neurological presentations.
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