Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) after pertussis infection

Budan B., Ekici B., Tatli B., Somer A.

ANNALS OF TROPICAL PAEDIATRICS, vol.31, no.3, pp.269-272, 2011 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 31 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1179/1465328111y.0000000028
  • Journal Name: ANNALS OF TROPICAL PAEDIATRICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.269-272
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system which is usually precipitated by a viral infection or vaccination. A 3-month-old boy is reported who developed ADEM a week after full recovery from pertussis. MRI detected a high-intensity lesion extending from the pons to the mesencephalon, compatible with ADEM. Following the administration of intravenous immunoglobulins, the patient's clinical symptoms improved. This case report demonstrates that pertussis is capable of inducing an immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system.