Central pontine myelinolysis: case series and review.

OBJECTIVE

To review central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) and osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) and describe the clinical features, etiologic factors, and clinical outcomes of 6 patients diagnosed with CPM or ODS.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective case series.

METHODS

Medical records of patients diagnosed with CPM or ODS at Marshfield Clinic/St. Joseph's Hospital from 1986 to 2003 were reviewed. Chart abstraction was completed with a standardized data abstraction form.

RESULTS

Six patients were identified, ranging in age from 31-73 years (mean age = 51.5 years). Clinical presentations were nonspecific. Common symptoms included lethargy and dysarthria. Five of the 6 patients had chronic alcoholism. All had improvements in their clinical conditions upon hospital discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

CPM and ODS are rare demyelinating diseases of the pons and extrapontine sites. Prompt diagnosis and management of associated complications are essential for favorable clinical outcomes.