Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome

Abstract

Formerly known as central pontine myelinolysis, osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is defined by a symmetrical destruction of myelin sheaths involving mainly the central portion of the basis pontis without evidence of vascular involvement. We report the case of a 60-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with a 2-week history of progressive confusion, memory loss, and lower extremity weakness with limited ambulation. A computed tomography scan of the head revealed areas of low attenuation within the pons, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the changes as compatible with ODS.