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Paroxysmal hypothermia in two patients with multiple sclerosis.
1Department of Neurology, Central Hospital, Nancy, France. a.darlix@gmail.com
European Neurology
|April 5, 2012
Summary
Severe hypothermia is a rare complication in multiple sclerosis (MS). This report details two MS patients experiencing hypothermia, suggesting it may worsen disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hypothermia is an exceptionally rare condition in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To date, only 17 cases have been documented in medical literature.
Observation:
- Two patients with a history of MS presented with severe acute hypothermia.
- Associated symptoms included thrombocytopenia, hepatic cytolysis, neurological status aggravation, psychomotor slowing, and confusion.
- No signs of infection were clinically or biologically apparent.
Findings:
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral preoptic T(2)-weighted lesions in one patient.
- One patient experienced a worsening of their neurological status post-hypothermia episode.
- These findings suggest a potential link between hypothermia and disease progression in MS.
Implications:
- This case series highlights a rare but severe complication in MS patients.
- Hypothermia may serve as a prognostic indicator for disease progression in multiple sclerosis.
- Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and clinical significance.
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