Role of MRI in Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis

Abstract

Background: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is an acute demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system and is characterised by multifocal white matter involvement. Diffuse neurological signs with multifocal lesions in brain and spinal cord characterise the disease. It do not invade central nervous system. Aim: To evaluate role of MRI in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Materials and methods: A prospective study of 10 cases which was conducted in the pediatric department in Dhiraj hospital. MRI brain was done on 1.5 Tesla MRI machine. Results: ADEM can be distinguished from acute viral encephalitis because the disease is not the result of primary tissue invasion by an infectious organism. It was thought to be immune-mediated and is characterized neuropathologically by perivenular inflammation and demyelination. Conclusion: ADEM is more common in female and more associated with previous infection as compared to previous vaccination. Neurological deficit is mostly associated with it. CSF showed raised protein in almost cases. It showed hyperintense lesion on T2W and FLAIR sequences. Periventricular area of brain is commonly associated.