Central pontine myelinolysis in acute malnutrition: Case report

Abstract

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is a rare non-inflammatory neurologic condition most frequently caused by the rapid correction of metabolic disturbances as part of osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS). It is characterized by damage to regions of the brain, most commonly pontine white matter tracts. Clinical manifestations can appear within several days and can range from encephalopathy to coma and death. CPM has been reported in cases of patients with alcohol use disorder, severe burns, liver transplantation, anorexia nervosa, hyperemesis gravidarum and hyperglycemic or hyponatremic states followed by a rapid correction.