Abstract
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is reported in a 14-year-old male patient associated with a pleural empyema caused by an esophageal perforation. During the hospital course, the patient experienced an episode of cardiac arrest, raising the question of hypoxic-ischemic cerebral injury, but the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and clinical course were most consistent with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. After a course of methylprednisolone, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and bilateral chest tube placement, the patient recovered with only mild residual deficits, along with resolution of his MRI findings.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Anti-Bacterial Agents
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Candidiasis / diagnosis
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Candidiasis / drug therapy
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Cerebral Cortex / pathology
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Chest Tubes
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use
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Eikenella corrodens / drug effects
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Electroencephalography
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Empyema, Pleural / diagnosis*
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Empyema, Pleural / drug therapy
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Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / diagnosis*
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Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / drug therapy
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Esophageal Perforation / complications*
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Esophageal Perforation / diagnosis
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Esophageal Perforation / drug therapy
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Follow-Up Studies
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Foodborne Diseases / complications
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Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
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Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
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Heart Arrest / etiology
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Humans
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
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Male
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Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
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Neurologic Examination / drug effects
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Resuscitation
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Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
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Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy
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Streptococcus pyogenes / drug effects
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Syndrome
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Veillonella / drug effects
Substances
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Anti-Bacterial Agents
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Methylprednisolone