Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem,
The Netherlands | Department of Pediatric Neurology, Radboud University
Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Wim Brussel, M.D., Department of Pediatrics,
Rijnstate Hospital, P.O. Box 9555, 6800 TA, Arnhem, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31
26 3786148; Fax: +31 26 3786147; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: We present a case of a boy with recurrent left-sided hemiparesis.
Early magnetic resonance imaging showed features suggesting acute disseminated
encephalomyelitis (ADEM). However, he deteriorated neurologically on high dose
methylprednisolone. A follow-up cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed an
extensive infarction due to carotid artery dissection. Distinguishing features
between ADEM and acute stroke in childhood are described, but at early stage,
it might be difficult to distinguish ADEM from acute stroke.
