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Extra and central pontine myelinolysis in a child with adrenal insufficiency
V P Udani1, V R Dharnidharka, A R Gajendragadkar
1Department of Child Neurology; P.D. Hinduja National Hospital & Medical Research Centre; Mumbai, India.
Insights
A child with adrenal insufficiency (AI) developed a rare neurologic illness. Electrolyte imbalances in AI likely caused brain lesions, a connection not previously seen in pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a rare endocrine disorder.
- Neurologic complications of AI are uncommon, especially in children.
- Extra pontine myelinolysis (EPM) is a demyelinating disease typically associated with electrolyte disturbances.
Abstract:
We report a 5-year-old patient with adrenal insufficiency (AI) who had a subacute monophasic neurologic illness and brainstem and striatal lesions on brain imaging. The prominent electrolyte abnormalities in AI indicate that extra and central pontine myelinolysis is the likely cause. An association between AI and extra pontine myelinolysis has not previously been reported in children.