Work

Central Pontine Myelinolysis Leading to an Intensive Care Unit Admission

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is a rare and serious clinical syndrome that has been associated with rapid correction of severe hyponatremia. ODS can evolve to central pontine myelinolysis (CPM), in which demyelination occurs in the pontine region, and less commonly extrapontine myelinolysis (EPM), involving other brain regions. We present the case of a 52-year-old alcoholic man admitted for community-acquired pneumonia who developed CPM following rapid correction of severe hyponatremia. This case highlights the importance of careful correction of sodium levels, particularly in high-risk patients.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.106210

Authors: Miguel Santos, Ana Cunha, Ana Alburquerque, Eugeniu Gisca, Fernando Henriques, Odete Gomes

Institution: Unidade Local de Saúde da Região de Leiria

Language: English

Topic: Electrolyte and hormonal disorders

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7147065721