Clinical and neuroimaging profile in postpartum hypernatremia

Abstract

Introduction: Hypernatremia can cause encephalopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and osmotic demyelination. Postpartum hypernatremia is an uncommon occurrence. The present study attempts to highlight clinical and radiological profile of three patients who had postpartum hypernatremia and to provide differential diagnosis of magnetic resonance imaging findings of postpartum hypernatremia. Aim:To study clinical and radiological profile of three patients who had postpartum hypernatremia and to provide differential diagnosis of magnetic resonance imaging findings of postpartum hypernatremia. Material and Methods:The present study was conducted in a tertiary care centre in South India between March 2014 to March 2018. Three patients had hypernatremia presenting in postpartum period. Demographic data, clinical details, results of laboratory examinations and neuroimaging details of these patients were recorded. Result:All three patients had hypernatremia presenting with encephalopathy. Spasticity was seen in all patients. Quadriparesis was seen in two patients. One patient had generalized tonic clonic seizures. Two patients had hypokalemia. All the three patients had Hyperchloremia, Azotemia and raised serum osmolality. Phosphorous levels was high in one patient. Creatine kinase levels was high in one patient. All patients had hypermagnesemia and normal calcium levels. Thrombocytopenia was seen in one patient. On neuroimaging, splenium of corpus callosum, hippocampus and posterior limb of internal capsule were involved in all patients. Cerebral peduncles in two patients. Corona Radiata and cerebellar white matter were involved in one patient. Conclusion:Early identification and meticulous management of hypernatremia is of paramount importance. Neuroimaging Findings in postpartum hypernatremia is distinct. Keywords: Postpartum, Hypernatremia, Encephalopathy, Osmotic demyelination, rhabdomyolysis.