Hodgkin's disease associated with central pontine myelinolysis

Abstract

We describe a 12-year-old black male who presented with cervical lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly of 3 months duration, and ataxia and incoordination of recent onset. Hodgkin's disease, stage IVB, was diagnosed. An MRI of the head demonstrated a nonenhancing, well-defined pontine lesion. The pontine lesion and the associated neurologic symptoms were consistent with central pontine myelinolysis. Treatment of Hodgkin's disease resulted in complete remission and complete disappearance of the pontine abnormality.