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A case of asymptomatic pontine myelinolysis

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Abstract

Central pontine myelinolysis is an acquired, non-inflammatory demyelinating lesion usually localized in the brainstem pons basis; it usually affects patients with a history of chronic alcoholism, malnutrition or dysionemia. The exact pathogenesis of myelinolysis is still unclear. A 69-year-old Caucasian male presented intensive headache and underwent cranial MRI that showed the typical feature of central pontine myelinolysis. Neurological valuation was negative. Other examinations included extensive blood tests, electroencephalogram and multimodal evoked potentials which all gave normal results. Alcohol abuse and malabsorption syndrome were excluded. The medical history revealed a continuative use of anti-depressive drugs and exposure to glue for years. Our patient may represent one of the rare cases of asymptomatic CPM. The actual reason why he presented this lesion is not clear, but we discuss the possible role in the etiopathogenesis of his chronic use of anti-depressive drugs and the exposure to glue and chemical agents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Communication and Behaviour, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy

    Angelica Lupato, Patrik Fazio, Edoardo Cesnik, Ilaria Casetta & Enrico Granieri

  2. Unit of Neuroradiology, Department of Neurosciences/Rehabilitation, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Arcispedale Sant’Anna Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy

    Enrico Fainardi

Authors
  1. Angelica Lupato
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  2. Patrik Fazio
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  3. Enrico Fainardi
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  4. Edoardo Cesnik
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  5. Ilaria Casetta
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  6. Enrico Granieri
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Correspondence to Angelica Lupato.

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Lupato, A., Fazio, P., Fainardi, E. et al. A case of asymptomatic pontine myelinolysis. Neurol Sci 31, 361–364 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-009-0215-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-009-0215-7

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