A Case of Acute Encephalopathy Due to Autoimmune Overload

Abstract

Sabhyata Sharma, Masih Sadeghi, Enoch Lule and Sudhakar Mallela

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, also known as postinfectious encephalomyelitis, is considered an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. It was seen mainly in pediatric population possibly due to vaccination but there have been cases identified in adult [1-9]. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis can be challenging to diagnose owing to fact that there have been many overlapping symptoms among other demyelinating disorder such multiple sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica. In this case report, we will discuss a case about a patient that presented due to acute encephalopathy and was noted to have an atypical MRI of the brain that was not consistent with results of the lumbar puncture [10-12]. Knowledge gained from this case will help bring awareness to the diagnose of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and how imaging in context with the clinical picture can help us differentiate between the various demyelinating disorders; thereby, giving a better understanding of managing these patients as management can affect prognosis and outcomes.

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