Pontine Neoplasm or Myelinolysis Despite Normal Sodium Levels

An elderly woman was transferred for biopsy of a pontine lesion. Her condition, including gait disturbances, truncal ataxia, and dysarthria-presumed to be due to severe alcohol abuse-had deteriorated during treatment of ambulatory-acquired pneumonia. No electrolyte abnormalities were noted during hospitalization. However, the neuroimaging findings were in line with central pontine myelinolysis, typically sparing the peripheral pontine fibers. Although extremely rare, pontine myelinolysis can occur in the presence of normal electrolyte levels. Thus, imaging findings should not be misinterpreted as pontine neoplasms, and patients should not undergo stereotactic biopsy-a procedure that could result in disastrous morbidity.