[Central pontine myelinolysis: apropos of 2 case in children].

BACKGROUND

Central pontine myelinolysis has been rarely reported in children. This report concerns two children, aged 4 1/2 years.

CASE REPORTS

The main clinical features were altered level of consciousness, tetraplegia and signs of brain stem dysfunctions. In both cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hypersignal of protuberance in association with cerebellar lesion in one case and occipital lesion in the other, compatible with central and extrapontine myelinolysis. No underlying disease or electrolytic disorders was identified. Clinical outcome was good. Mental status was normal after 9 months for patient one and 4 months for patient two. The MRI abnormality was reduced at 9-month follow-up in patient two and unchanged at 4 months in patient one.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of central pontine myelinolysis is probably underestimated in children. MRI allows a greater sensitivity in identifying areas of focal demyelination where diagnosis was previously only established by post mortem studies.