Central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis owing to disequilibrium syndrome

J Child Neurol. 2003 Apr;18(4):292-6. doi: 10.1177/08830738030180040701.

Abstract

Neurologic disorders can be seen in patients with end-stage renal failure owing to complications of hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The disequilibrium syndrome can be seen, usually soon after or toward the end of dialysis. We report a patient with central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis owing to disequilibrium syndrome. The patient had depressed consciousness, agitation, tremor, stupor and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes toward the end of the second peritoneal dialysis. A brain computed tomographic (CT) scan showed hypodense lesions in pontine and extrapontine locations without radiocontrast medium enhancement After 2 days, the patient had only minimal memory deficits. A control brain CT scan 1 week later showed a decrease of the lesions in central pontine and extrapontine locations. Central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis should be suspected and investigated in the acute neurologic disorders of dialysis patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Myelinolysis, Central Pontine / diagnostic imaging*
  • Myelinolysis, Central Pontine / etiology*
  • Peritoneal Dialysis / adverse effects*
  • Renal Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Renal Insufficiency / therapy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / complications*
  • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / diagnostic imaging*