Байкальский медицинский журнал (Mar 2023)

A clinical case of central pontine myelinolisis in the background of a background of a new coronavirus infection

  • Yury N. Vasiliev,
  • Tuyana A. Manzheeva,
  • Elena E. Golinko,
  • Yury N. Bykov

DOI
https://doi.org/10.57256/2949-0715-2023-1-33-39
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 1
pp. 33 – 39

Abstract

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Central pontine myelinolysis is a disease characterized by acute death of myelin sheaths cells in the central part of the pontine pons while maintaining the structural composition of neurons. The word "pontine" indicates the region of the bridge of the brain (pons - pons, region of the brain), and "myelinolysis" refers to the process of destruction of the myelin of the nerve cells of the bridge. The death of brain cells in this pathology is facilitated by an electrolyte imbalance and a sharp change in oncotic pressure. Central pontine myelinolysis often develops in patients suffering from alcoholism, malnutrition, cancer, infections, and other conditions that dramatically disrupt the electrolyte balance of the body. The purpose of this work is to describe a clinical case provoked by a new coronovirus infection COVID-19, which aggravated the course of the disease. The untimely neuroimaging and late seeking medical help also contributed to the poor outcome. As a result of the analysis of this case, a conclusion was made about the need for clinical alertness of pontine myelinolysis and the use of the necessary diagnostic measures, such as neuroimaging methods and the study of metabolic markers. Previously, this rare disease with a poor outcome has not been described in a correlation with coronavirus infection. In connection with the diagnosis established in the early stages and the therapy prescribed in accordance with it, it is possible to limit or prevent the complications of the disease.

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