Central pontine myelinolysis after orthotopic liver transplant-a rare complication.

Abstract

Central pontine myelinolysis is a rare but devastating cause of morbidity and mortality after orthotopic liver transplant. The exact cause of central pontine myelinolysis is uncertain. However, rapid correction of hyponatremia has been described as a major factor. We describe a patient with central pontine myelinolysis after orthotopic liver transplant in the absence of significant hyponatremia. Although rapid correction of hypernatremia has been reported in association with central pontine myelinolysis, to our knowledge, in this case, where the serum sodium went from normal to hypernatremic, later diagnosis of central pontine myelinolysis in a postliver transplant setting is unique. We also discuss factors that may contribute to the development of central pontine myelinolysis after orthotopic liver transplant and its pathophysiology.

• Authors: Ahmad J Al-Sarraf, Mazhar Haque, Morris Pudek, Eric M Yoshida
• Journal: Experimental and clinical transplantation : official journal of the Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation (Exp Clin Transplant) Vol. 8 Issue 4 Pg. 321-4 (Dec 2010) ISSN: 2146-8427 [Electronic] Turkey
• PMID: 21143100 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Sodium

Topics

• Female
• Humans
• Hypernatremia (blood, etiology)
• Liver Transplantation (adverse effects)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Middle Aged
• Myelinolysis, Central Pontine (blood, diagnosis, etiology)
• Risk Assessment
• Risk Factors
• Sodium (blood)
• Time Factors