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Asymptomatic pontine myelinolysis.
1Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, UK. s.razvi@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
European Journal of Neurology
|October 14, 2006
Summary
Alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy can present with foot drop. In some alcoholics, brain imaging may reveal asymptomatic pontine myelinolysis, which should not be misinterpreted.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological complication.
- Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is a demyelinating disease typically associated with rapid correction of hyponatremia or severe alcoholism with malnutrition.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old female presented with bilateral foot drop, diagnosed as alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy.
- Neurological examination revealed no cranial nerve, bulbar, or pyramidal signs.
- Cerebral neuroimaging, incidentally performed, showed signal changes characteristic of central pontine myelinolysis.
Findings:
- Nerve conduction studies confirmed peripheral neuropathy.
- The patient had asymptomatic pontine myelinolysis, a rare finding in alcoholics without bulbar dysfunction.
Implications:
- Physicians should be aware of asymptomatic pontine myelinolysis in alcoholic individuals.
- This awareness can prevent misinterpretation of neuroimaging findings in this population.
- Early recognition is crucial for appropriate patient management and avoiding unnecessary interventions.
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