[Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis or multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis?]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2005 Feb;161(2):228-33. doi: 10.1016/s0035-3787(05)85029-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: The imaging presentation of some forms of multiple sclerosis may be misleading. In patients with a history of recent infection or vaccination, especially for adolescents or young adults, the differential diagnosis with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis can be difficult.

Case report: We report an unusual clinical and radiological presentation of multiple sclerosis, mimicking acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. We discuss clinical and radiological differential diagnosis, and the outcome after immunosuppressive treatment.

Conclusion: Distinguishing between acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and the first relapse of multiple sclerosis can be difficult. Brain imaging is a precious tool for differentiating between the two diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / diagnosis*
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / pathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Methylprednisolone