Adult-Onset Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis Refractory to Steroids

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated phenomenon characterized by demyelination of the central nervous system that displays numerous manifestations. It predominantly presents in children with a mean age range of five to eight years. ADEM remains a diagnosis of exclusion based on clinical and radiographic progression. Thus, it poses a diagnostic challenge. ADEM has been shown to be very responsive to steroids and exchange therapy. Here, we present an unusual case of ADEM in a 50-year-old female patient who, despite receiving an entire course of IV methylprednisolone and other conventional treatment methods, did not respond to the treatment.

Automated summary

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated disease that predominantly affects children aged five to eight years, and has been shown to be very responsive to steroids and exchange therapy. It poses a diagnostic challenge, with clinical and radiographic progression being key factors in diagnosis.