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Case Reports
. 2022 Mar 26;17(5):1789-1793.
doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.03.013. eCollection 2022 May.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) after SARS- CoV-2 vaccination: A case report

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Case Reports

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) after SARS- CoV-2 vaccination: A case report

Fereshteh Yazdanpanah et al. Radiol Case Rep. .

Abstract

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an acute demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that is ordinarily monophasic. ADEM can develop following infection or vaccination. Here, we present a 37 y/o male patient with progressive muscle weakness in all limbs along with dysphagia following COVID-19 vaccination. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed typical imaging findings which presented as multifocal T2-FLAIR signal changes in the corticospinal tract, pons, and temporal lobe with diffusion restriction. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) further confirmed the diagnosis by the typical elevation of the Choline and Myoinositol peaks. Neurologic impairments have been reported as the potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. Appropriate imaging modalities together with a thorough clinical examination are essential for making a correct diagnosis.

Keywords: ADEM; Brain ,MRI ,MRS; Demyelinating disease.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig. 1
(A,B) Axial T2 weighted images demonstrate hypersignal foci in pons and medulla (black arrows). (C,D) Axial T1 image shows slight hyposignal lesion in left side of the pons with mild peripheral enhancement after injection of contrast.
Fig 2
Fig. 2
(A,B) The pontine lesion is high signal on DWI and low on ADC map, confirming diffusion restriction.
Fig 3
Fig. 3
Single voxel MR spectroscopy demonstrates mild increase in choline and myoinositol peaks with almost normal NAA/cr.

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