Application of the ADEM definition to cerebral attacks of MOG antibody-associated disease

Sara J Hooshmand1, Nisa Vorasoot1,2,3, Xiaoyang Li1

  • 1Departments of Neurology and Center for MS and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA.

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|August 19, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The 2013 Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) definition needs updating. It should explicitly include adults and children with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) cerebral attacks, regardless of disease stage.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Demyelinating Diseases

Background:

  • Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a demyelinating syndrome associated with Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD).
  • Limited data exist on applying the ADEM definition to MOGAD cerebral attacks, especially in adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the applicability of the 2013 ADEM definition to cerebral attacks in a MOGAD cohort.
  • To evaluate differences and similarities in ADEM features between pediatric and adult MOGAD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 263 patients from the Mayo Clinic MOGAD cohort with cerebral attacks.
  • Assessment of pediatric (<18 years) and adult (≥18 years) patients against the 2013 ADEM criteria.

Main Results:

  • 89 patients (34 children, 55 adults) with cerebral attacks were identified.
  • 62% of patients were female. Common MRI findings included T2 lesions in white matter (96%) and deep gray matter (46%).
  • 53% of patients met the ADEM criteria; 47% did not, primarily due to monofocal presentation or lack of encephalopathy. Features were comparable between children and adults.

Conclusions:

  • The current 2013 ADEM definition requires updating for MOGAD cerebral attacks.
  • The updated definition should explicitly include adults and children.
  • It should also allow application to MOGAD attacks occurring at any point in the disease course.