Hyponatremia and central pontine myelinolysis

Neurology. 1977 Mar;27(3):223-6. doi: 10.1212/wnl.27.3.223.

Abstract

Autopsy in a patient with severe hyponatremia showed central pontine myelinolysis. Review of our patients with central pontine myelinolysis and those described in the English literature to data disclosed that 61 percent had documented hyponatremia. While the exact mechanism involving hyponatremia and central pontine myelinolysis cannot be defined, a circumstantial relationship is apparent. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize this relationship and to suggest that the possibility of central pontine myelinolysis be considered in any patient with hyponatremia and neurologic dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alcoholism / physiopathology
  • Demyelinating Diseases / pathology*
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use
  • Fatty Liver / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Hyponatremia / pathology*
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Middle Aged
  • Pons / pathology*
  • Sodium / blood
  • Vasopressins / metabolism

Substances

  • Diuretics
  • Vasopressins
  • Sodium