Sequential MRI in pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis following rapid correction of hyponatremia

Abstract

Objective: This study describes the MRI changes associated with pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis secondary to rapid correction of hyponatremia in dogs. The authors discuss the relevance of the results for theories of pathogenesis and for diagnosis of patients. Results: MRI changes associated with pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis first occur on diffusion-weighted imaging. As a generalization, gadolinium enhancement, flair image change and T2 weighted image abnormality appear sequentially.