Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in an older adult following prostate resection

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an uncommon, autoimmune, demyelinating disorder of of the central nervous system. It is rare in adults beyond 65 years. Here, we describe a novel presentation following urological surgery. Using illustrative features from our case study, we describe some of the clinical features, aetiologies, diagnostic uncertainties and pathogenic mechanisms of the disease. A 69 year old gentleman underwent transurethral resection of the prostate. He then developed confusion, unsteadiness, behavioural disturbance and left-sided hemiparesis. On admission he was febrile with left hemiplegia and ataxia. Neuroimaging showed multifocal, posterior-predominant semi-confluent lesions. Autoimmune serology and virology were negative. Cerebrospinal fluid revealed mildly elevated protein. Brain biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of ADEM. ADEM is a predominantly a childhood disorder and rare in older adults. It is precipitated by vaccinations, viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. It is rarely described after surgical intervention. Differential diagnosis is wide and includes multiple sclerosis (MS), encephalitides and encephalopathies. Treatment is with corticosteroids, plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin or cyclophosphamide. Up to a quarter will experience recurrence and 10% progress to MS. Further study is needed to determine its pathogenic and immunological characteristics.