- 2024, Volume 55 - Number 2
- Published: April 1, 2024
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 in a 21-month-old: a case report
Cecília Gomes-Pereira 1, Beatriz Sousa 1, Sara Nogueira-Machado 1, Valentina Ribeiro 2, Catarina Magalhães 3
1 Pediatrics Department, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira, Guimarães, Portugal; 2 Department of Imaging, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira, Guimarães, Portugal; 3 Pediatrics Department, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira. Guimarães, Portugal
Cecília Gomes-Pereira, Beatriz Sousa, Sara Nogueira-Machado, Valentina Ribeiro, Catarina Magalhães
La información completa de afiliaciones y autor de correspondencia está disponible en la versión original en PDF.
*Correspondence: Beatriz Sousa, Email not available
Abstract
Introduction: Since its emergence in 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has been responsible for a myriad of symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, including the central nervous system. Although rare, especially in children, cases of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) associated with COVID-19 have also been described. Case report: We present the case of a previously healthy 21-month-old girl who presented with altered consciousness and ataxia ten days after SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported. Cranioencephalic MRI revealed hyperintense T2-weighted and hypointense T1-weighted lesions. The remaining imaging, analytical, autoimmune, and serological studies showed no alterations, allowing a diagnosis to be established. Therapy with pulses of prednisolone was initiated with excellent results. Discussion: This case report highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion in a child presenting with encephalopathy days to weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. A quick diagnosis is vital for early treatment and to improve the clinical course and long-term outcome.
