Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM): A Demyelinating Disease with Specific Morphological Features

Int J Surg Pathol. 2021 Jun;29(4):392-394. doi: 10.1177/1066896921993562. Epub 2021 Feb 22.

Abstract

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare immune-mediated inflammatory and demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Its characteristic perivenular demyelination and inflammation aid in the differential diagnosis with other inflammatory demyelinating diseases. Here, we present a clinical case of ADEM, summarize its histological hallmarks, and discuss pitfalls concerning the most important neuropathological differential diagnoses.

Keywords: acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM); acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE); histopathology; multiple sclerosis (MS); neuropathology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / diagnosis*
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Leukoencephalitis, Acute Hemorrhagic / diagnosis
  • Leukoencephalitis, Acute Hemorrhagic / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology