Wang Q, Cai LN, Wang XQ. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis following varicella-zoster virus infection: Case report of effective treated both in clinical symptom and neuroimaging.
Brain Behav 2019;
9:e01374. [PMID:
31342665 PMCID:
PMC6749488 DOI:
10.1002/brb3.1374]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Early treatment is the key for neurological recovery.
METHODS
A case of ADEM associated with varicella-zoster virus infection was presented, in which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations were included.
RESULTS
Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed multiple hyperintense lesions at the subcortical level on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and MRI of the spinal cord revealed longitudinally segmented hyperintense lesions at the spinal cord on T2-weighted images. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone and gancyclovir, and had a favorable recovery. Subsequent MRI of the brain and cervical cord showed the previous abnormal hyperintensities had markedly disappeared.
CONCLUSION
A rare case of ADEM with longitudinal segmented hyperintense lesions at the spinal cord on T2-weighted images was presented. Excellent response to ADEM treatment with high-dose steroids was reported resulting in a remarkable neurological recovery. A long-term follow-up is needed for prognosis.
Collapse