Value of CT and MRI for diagnosing Central Pontine Myelinolysis

Objective: To analyze the CT and MRI features of central pontine myelinolysis(CPM) to improve diagnostic level and determine the value of CT and MRI in the diagnosis and follow-up of CPM. Methods: Retrospectively analyzed the clinical and imaging features of 8 patients with confirmed CPM and summarized the imaging features. Results: 4 patients underwent CT examination, 2 patients' CT scan testing revealed abnormal results:the low density lesions were found at pontine, bilateral cerebral peduncle and right cerebellum in one patient,the other one showed low density lesions at pontine. The remaining 2 patients had normal CT scan results. 8 patients underwent MRI scan has a positive findings which revealed pontine lesions in all cases. It showed symmetrical distribution, clear edge, round, oval or butterfly. 4 of which accompanied extrapontine lesions include hemisphaerium cerebelli, caudex cerebri,thalami,basal ganglia and radiate infarction.The lesions showed iso/hypointensity in T1 WI, hyperintensity in T2 WI, T2 FLAIR,markedly hyperintensity in DWI sequence, with no edema around the lesion and no enhancement. Conclusion: The diagnostic value of MRI in the diagnosis of CPM was significantly better than CT, especially in T2 FLAIR and DWI sequence. It has great value in diagnosis early,guideline of clinical therapy and estimation prognosis diagnosis.