Resumo

RAVELO, María Elena et al. ncefalomielitis aguda diseminada. Arch Venez Puer Ped [online]. 2008, vol.71, n.4, pp.145-155. ISSN 0004-0649.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an acquired leucoencephalopathy, that occurs more frequently during childhood, of inflammatory autoimmune condition, usually monophasic, polysymptomatic and associated with sensory deterioration. It is a frequently preceded by infections or vaccinations. Recent medical literature was reviewed considering etiology, pathogenesis, clinical, diagnosis and treatment aspects. The current diagnostic criteria for ADEM, its variants and the relevance of differential diagnostics, like Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis (PMS) are included. Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended to detect demyelination injuries. High doses of steroids are still the therapeutic alternative for ADEM.

Palavras-chave : Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis; trimolecular complex; autoimmune; demyelination; magnetic resonance imaging; diagnostics criteria; pediatric multiple sclerosis; steroids.