Central pontine myelinolysis after rapid correction of hyponatremia: a magnetic resonance imaging study

Ann Neurol. 1988 Apr;23(4):389-91. doi: 10.1002/ana.410230413.

Abstract

We describe a patient with severe hyponatremia (serum sodium 94 mmol/L) who developed encephalopathy and decorticate posturing after a 29 mmol/L rise in serum sodium concentration during the first 24 hours of correction. High-resolution computed tomography of the pons was normal during the first, second, and twelfth weeks of the illness. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging revealed a pontine lesion consistent with central pontine myelinolysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis
  • Brain Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Diseases / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyponatremia / chemically induced
  • Hyponatremia / drug therapy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Myelin Sheath / pathology*
  • Pons / diagnostic imaging
  • Pons / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed