[Central pontine myelinolysis in alcoholism. Clinical aspects, neurophysiology, computerized tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance tomography in a patient who survived]

Abstract

A case of central pontine myelinolysis in a 38-year-old alcoholic is reported. The findings initially and over a course of almost 2 years, including clinical data, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cranial computerized tomography (CCT), evoked potentials (BAEP, VEP, SEP), EEG and EMG/ENG are presented and discussed in relation to other recent case reports, with special regard to the CCT findings. The important role of CCT is emphasized, although negative CCT findings probably do not allow exclusion of the diagnosis. MRI can be expected to play an important part in the detection of central pontine myelinolysis. The importance of BAEP as a possible method for monitoring must be clarified by further research.