[A case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) following treatment for pneumococcal meningoencephalitis].

A 58-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with fever, vomiting and disturbance of consciousness after common cold-like symptoms for 2 days. Physical examination showed high fever, moderate hypertension and tachycardia. There were no superficial lymph nodes swelling nor skin rashes. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination revealed increased protein level (467 mg/dl) and pleocytosis (508 cells/mm3), but no glucose was detected. CSF smear test detected the pneumococcus. Intravenous cefotaxime was administered along with intravenous immunoglobulins and steroid pulse therapy. However, DIC developed, so FOY therapy was started. With these treatments, level of consciousness gradually improved and he became able to eat. At 11th days after the onset, the patient suddenly developed left facial palsy and paresis of the left arm. Head T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated tumor-like hyperintensity signal lesions (28 x 16.6 mm) with ring enhancements in the right frontal lobe. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) was diagnosed based on MRI and CSF findings, and then additional corticosteroid pulse therapy was administered twice. Herpes simplex virus and herpes zoster virus DNA in the CSF were undetectable by PCR. After 6 days of treatment with corticosteroid pulse therapy, left facial palsy and paresis of the left arm gradually improved and MRI showed the disappearance of tumor-like hyperintense signals. Although ADEM usually develops as a complication after viral infection such as measles, rubella, mumps and herpes zoster, this case suggests that ADEM complication should be considered even after pneumococcal meningoencephalitis.