A case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis presented with transvers myelitis

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is an inflammatory and demyelinating disorder of central nervous system. A 9-year-old male was admitted with unable to walk, non-sensation of legs, urinary incontinence and encopresis for 2 days. On physical examination, muscle strength was 5/5 on upper extremities and 1/5 on lower extremities. Loss of pain, temperature and touch sensation was present on both lower extremities, reaches to T8 level. On spinal magnetic resonance imaging, diffuse hyperintensity from C3 to conus medullaris was detected. While electromyography was consistent with polyradiculoneuritis, magnetic resonance imaging findings were concordant with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. On account of this case, we would like to emphasize that acute disseminated encephalomyelitis should be considered in patients presented with transverse myelitis; therefore, in addition to spinal magnetic resonance imaging, cranial magnetic resonance imaging should be examined in these patients. (Turk Arch Ped 2010; 45: 299-302)