Central pontine myelinolysis (osmotic demyelination syndrome)

Case contributed by Yuliia Solodovnikova
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Severe peripheral tetraparesis, predominantly in lower extremities, skew deviation (Hertwig-Magendie syndrome), sensory and cerebellar ataxia, head and intentional tremor, dysarthria, dysphonia, scanning speech, and dysfunction of pelvic organs. History of alcohol abuse.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Female
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T1
This study is a stack
Axial
T2
This study is a stack
Coronal
T2
This study is a stack
Sagittal
FLAIR
This study is a stack
Axial
ADC
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Info

Large lesion consistent with demyelination in the central pons, that is hypointense on T1, and hyperintense on T2, FLAIR, and ADC sequences.

Case Discussion

The patient had a history of chronic alcohol abuse. After the last acute poisoning, she fell into a coma and was transported to ICU. In 5 days of infusive therapy, she was discharged with the symptoms written above.

Considering the history and typical radiological findings, the diagnosis of the central pontine myelinolysis (osmotic demyelination syndrome) seems obvious.

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