Syringomyelia associated with inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neurology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Hyponatraemia is the most common fluid-electrolyte imbalance.
• Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is the most frequent cause, accounting for up to 38% of cases.
• SIADH is typically associated with central nervous system pathologies, primarily originating in the brain.

Observation:

• SIADH is commonly observed in patients with neurosurgical interventions, head injuries, or intracranial tumors.
• Spinal pathologies, particularly traumatic ones, are less common causes of SIADH.
• The study presents a case of SIADH in a patient admitted for severe, symptomatic hyponatraemia, linked to syringomyelia.

Findings:

• This report details a rare association between SIADH and syringomyelia.
• The patient presented with significant symptomatic hyponatraemia due to the condition.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of SIADH aetiologies beyond common brain-related conditions.
• It underscores the importance of considering spinal cord pathologies in the differential diagnosis of SIADH.
• Further research may elucidate the mechanisms linking syringomyelia to SIADH.