Próchnica powikłana jako możliwy czynnik ryzyka ADEM – opis przypadku

Neurological and cardio-vascular diseases are considered the main causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. On the other hand, dental caries is nowadays so widespread, that it is considered a civilization-dependent social problem. Significance of caries as a possible risk factor for infectious and cardio-vascular conditions is well known, while its possible disease exacerbating role in the development of neurological diseases is poorly documented. Aim of paper is to present a case report of a patient suffering from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) where complicated caries could be the factor exacerbating the disease. Four-year old male patient developed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Causal association of ADEM with caries was supported by finding of anti-neuronal antibodies co-existing with severe caries. The sanitation of oral cavity combined with implementation of systemic treatment resulted in a rapid resolution of neurological disease. There were no documented reports correlating ADEM with caries in current literature, therefore presented case report may be the first. This would confirm the role of oral hygiene in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, while assessment of oral cavity status should become an indispensable part of diagnostic work-up in neurology. In view of prevalence of caries, children and adolescents should benefit from a systemic dental care.