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American Academy of Pediatrics
Article

Acute Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis

Ilana Kahn
Pediatrics in Review July 2020, 41 (7) 313-320; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.2019-0179
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Ilana Kahn
*Children’s National Health System, George Washington University Medical School, Washington, DC
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  1. Ilana Kahn, MD*
  1. *Children’s National Health System, George Washington University Medical School, Washington, DC
  • AUTHOR DISCLOSURE

    Dr Kahn has disclosed no financial relationships relevant to this article. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device.

  • Abbreviations:
    ADEM:
    acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
    ADS:
    acquired demyelinating syndrome
    AQP4:
    aquaporin-4
    ATM:
    acute transverse myelitis
    CNS:
    central nervous system
    CSF:
    cerebrospinal fluid
    IgG:
    immunoglobulin G
    IVIg:
    intravenous immunoglobulin
    MOG:
    myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein
    MRI:
    magnetic resonance imaging
    MS:
    multiple sclerosis
    NMO:
    neuromyelitis optica
    NMOSD:
    neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
    OCB:
    oligoclonal band
  • Education Gap

    Most pediatricians report lack of knowledge related to the understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of both acute disseminating encephalomyelitis and acute transvers myelitis. Pediatric providers should understand presenting symptoms, initial diagnostic testing, and acute treatment. Clinicians should know when to refer to a neurologist for evaluation of long-term treatment.

    Objectives

    After completing this article, readers should be able to:

    1. Define and characterize acquired demyelinating syndromes.

    2. Identify the prevalence, etiology, and clinical presentations of acute disseminating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and acute transverse myelitis (ATM).

    3. Initiate a diagnostic evaluation, including an evaluation for medical emergencies.

    4. Make treatment decisions for acute management.

    5. Counsel patients on long-term outcomes after ADEM and ATM.

    6. Counsel patients on recurrence risks for multiphasic or chronic demyelinating diseases.

    Introduction

    Acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADSs) encompass a group of immune-mediated disorders in which there is breakdown of the myelin sheath, the lipid-rich covering around the axon that increases conduction speed and metabolic efficiency of the neuron. ADSs are characterized by a sudden onset of new neurologic symptoms in concurrence with neuroimaging evidence of demyelination. Outcomes vary from full neurologic recovery to long-term severe disability. ADSs are characterized based on location and frequency of the demyelinating events. Location is either focal, limited to 1 specific location, or polyfocal, involving several areas of the central nervous system (CNS). Frequency is classified as monophasic or multiphasic, meaning either a single 1-time event or a recurrent, potentially chronic, disease. It is important to keep at the forefront of your mind, however, that over time what seems to be a monophasic event may, in fact, turn out to be the initial or first attack of a multiphasic disorder. (1) …

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    Pediatrics in Review: 41 (7)
    Pediatrics in Review
    Vol. 41, Issue 7
    1 Jul 2020
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    Acute Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis
    Ilana Kahn
    Pediatrics in Review Jul 2020, 41 (7) 313-320; DOI: 10.1542/pir.2019-0179

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    Acute Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis
    Ilana Kahn
    Pediatrics in Review Jul 2020, 41 (7) 313-320; DOI: 10.1542/pir.2019-0179
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