Abstract

RAVELO, María Elena et al. Encefalomielitis aguda diseminada en pediatría: Presentación de la casuística (2000-2008). Hospital de niños “j. M. De los Caracas-Venezuela (primer premio como póster con mejor contenido científico. Liv congreso nacional de pediatría, septiembre 2008). Arch Venez Puer Ped [online]. 2008, vol.71, n.4, pp.112-118. ISSN 0004-0649.

Acute Disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an acquired inflammatory autoimmune nature leucoencephalopathy, which occurs more frequently in the pediatric age group. It is usually monophasic, polysymptomatic and with frequent deteriorating consciousness. There are no biological markers for diagnosis, therefore the clinical presentation coupled with findings in the brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging allow a proper diagnostic approach. Its course is generally favorable; however treatment with brain steroids can be beneficial. We present the experience with 16 patients treated at children’s Hospital “J. M. de los Ríos”, Caracas-Venezuela, in a period of 8 year (April 2000 - April 2008), in the light of recent proposed criteria for the classification of ADEM.

Keywords : Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis; autoimmune; demyelination; white substance; steroid.