[X-ray computed tomography in central pontine myelinolysis. 2 cases]

Two cases of central pontine myelinolysis were studied by computerized tomography (CT). One patient had chronic alcoholism, the other porphyria variegata; both initially presented with water-and-electrolyte disorders, notably hyponatraemia. The neurological disorders consisted of acute pseudobulbar syndrome which totally regressed within 15 days to 1 month. CT demonstrated a low density area in the pons, extending to the mesencephalon in one case. Despite clinical cure, this low density persisted for 16 and 20 months respectively, counting from the onset of neurological symptoms. In central pontine myelinolysis, CT images only are of diagnostic value in cases with suggestive neurological symptoms and aetiology. CT can recognize minor forms of the disease and confirms that in some cases severe forms may follow a regressive course.