Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection
05:55

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection

Published on: May 7, 2020

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis associated with meningitis due to Mycobacterium intracellulare

Hiroshi Okada1, Keiji Yoshioka

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Matsushita Memorial Hospital, Moriguchi.

Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|October 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study reports the first case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in a non-immunocompromised patient, triggered by Mycobacterium intracellulare meningitis. Steroid therapy proved highly effective in treating this rare neurological complication.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Mycobacterium intracellulare (M. intracellulare) can cause meningitis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Neurological complications following M. intracellulare meningitis are rare, especially in non-immunocompromised hosts.
  • Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.

Observation:

  • A 73-year-old woman presented with persistent fever, headache, and fatigue.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed M. intracellulare meningitis.
  • Brain MRI demonstrated multifocal white matter and gray-white junction abnormalities consistent with ADEM.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with ADEM associated with M. intracellulare meningitis.
  • Initial anti-tuberculous therapy partially improved CSF findings but not clinical status.
  • Subsequent steroid therapy led to dramatic clinical improvement.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare but serious neurological complication of M. intracellulare meningitis.
  • It suggests a potential link between M. intracellulare infection and ADEM development in non-immunocompromised individuals.
  • The findings underscore the importance of considering ADEM in patients with unexplained neurological deterioration during M. intracellulare meningitis and the potential efficacy of steroid treatment.

More Related Videos

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease04:23

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease

Published on: April 28, 2019

Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells09:35

Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells

Published on: May 19, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...