Central Pontine and Extrapontine Myelinolysis after Rapid Correction of Hyponatremia by Hemodialysis in a Uremic Patient

Abstract

Osmotic demyelination syndrome, a well-known entity, is characterized by demyelination in the pons and extrapontine areas. Rapid correction of chronic hyponatremia is its most important cause. This report presents a 52-year-old man with uremia and hyponatremia. Demyelination syndrome developed after the first hemodialysis session. Brain images showed central pontine myelinolysis and extrapontine myelinolysis. This case emphasizes the fact that demyelination syndrome can occur when hyponatremia is corrected too rapidly, even in uremic patients. Lowering dialysate sodium with multiple, short durations of hemodialysis at a low blood flow rate should be prescribed during hemodialysis in select hyponatremic patients.