Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis after bee sting

Neurol Sci. 2003 Feb;23(6):313-5. doi: 10.1007/s100720300007.

Abstract

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) usually follows a viral infection or an immunization and is thought to be an immunomediated disease. We describe a patient with ADEM after multiple yellow jacket bee stings. The patient recovered after treatment with a high dose of methylprednisolone. Although the pathologic mechanism exact remains unclear, potential cross-reactivity between bee toxins and the central nervous system myelin could induce demyelination. ADEM should be considered a rare complication of bee stings.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bees*
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / pathology
  • Demyelinating Diseases / etiology
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / diagnostic imaging
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / drug therapy
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insect Bites and Stings / complications*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Methylprednisolone