Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM): Review

This review examines acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a rare immune-mediated disorder characterized by widespread inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system. Primarily affecting children, ADEM often follows an infectious or vaccine-related trigger, likely initiated by molecular mimicry where the immune system mistakenly attacks host myelin. The sources outline a broad range of potential causes, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, as well as rare instances linked to vaccinations or organ transplants. Diagnosis relies heavily on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the clinical presence of encephalopathy, as the disease lacks specific biomarkers and frequently overlaps with multiple sclerosis. While most cases are monophasic and respond well to high-dose corticosteroids, some patients experience relapses or severe variants like acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis. Recent research explores the role of anti-MOG antibodies and machine learning to improve diagnostic accuracy and long-term management strategies.