An unusual case of central pontine myelinolysis.
Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is a rare complication of alcoholism. There have been recent reports that hyponatremia and its rapid correction are of aetiological significance in the development of CPM. We describe the case of a 47-year-old alcoholic who developed CPM and subsequently recovered. Alcoholic and psychiatric patients are at risk for CPM and clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion to diagnose this condition.
Joseph
A P
AP
Rawnsley Unit, Department of Psychological Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
Farmer
A
A
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011149:Pons / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011189:Potassium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D005473:Fluoxetine; D011189:Potassium Chloride