Central pontine myelinolysis in the hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state.

OBJECTIVE: To report a rare association of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) with hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS).

CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A diabetic female presented with HHS and prolonged severe hypernatraemia. The metabolic derangement was adequately treated with proper correction of both hyperglycaemia and hypernatraemia. Lack of improvement in the presenting confusional state and the development of a fresh neurological deterioration led to the suspicion of CPM that was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. She fully recovered after 4 weeks with no specific medical treatment.

CONCLUSION: This case report showed that osmotic demyelination was linked to hypernatraemia and that CPM could result from severe hypernatraemia of HHS.