Neuroimaging features of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in childhood

Acute and disseminated demyelination of the central nervous system in children may have many causes. This study reports a retrospective cohort of 10 consecutive pediatric cases (5 to 17 years; mean [S.D.] 12.1 [4.3] years) with a presenting diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and the clinical and radiologic follow-up. The evolution of magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities was determined from serial studies in nine patients with a mean (S.D.) follow-up of 334.2 (312.8) days. Resolution of magnetic resonance imaging T2 prolongation (i.e., demyelination) within 6 months of presentation was associated most commonly with a final clinical diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (including the multiphasic form), but failed to meet statistical significance (Fisher's exact test; P = 0.083). Incomplete resolution of the magnetic resonance imaging signal abnormalities yielded a statistically significant association (Fisher's exact test; P = 0.048) with an abnormal neurologic outcome. In summary, we conclude that early resolution of magnetic resonance imaging signal abnormalities or recurrent demyelination within 6 months of an acute and disseminated demyelinating event suggests the diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in children, although this association failed to meet statistical significance. However, a statistically significant association between complete resolution of magnetic resonance imaging signal abnormalities and a normal neurologic outcome was observed.