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Neuropediatrics 2012; 43(03): 152-154
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1307458
Short Communication
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Centropontine Myelinolysis Related to Refeeding Syndrome in an Adolescent Suffering from Anorexia Nervosa

Sandrine Leroy
1   Department of Epidemiology of Emerging Diseases Unit, Insititut Pasteur, Paris, France
,
Ariel Gout
2   Department of Neuropediatrics, Bicetre Hospital, Paris, France
,
Beatrice Husson
3   Department of Pediatric Neurology, Bicêtre University Hospital, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
,
Renault de Tournemire
4   Department of Adolescent Medicine, Bicetre Hospital, Paris, France
,
Marc Tardieu
3   Department of Pediatric Neurology, Bicêtre University Hospital, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

06 November 2011

01 February 2012

Publication Date:
02 April 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Centropontine myelinolysis (CPM) is a rare neurologic disorder defined by symmetric demyelination in the central pons, mostly due to alcoholism, malnutrition, or water-electrolyte abnormalities. We report an unusual case of CPM likely due to hypophosphatemia, related to a refeeding syndrome in the context of mental anorexia. A 15-year-old girl with mental anorexia presented with hypophosphatemia in the following days of enteral refeeding, and then suffered from confusion, neurological signs, and typical MRI lesions of CPM. Hypophosphoremia may be considered as a causative agent in CPM related to refeeding syndrome. This clinical observation also highlights the importance of recognizing patients at high risk of refeeding syndrome to initiate a balanced nutrition with careful monitoring.

Keywords

central pontine myelinolysis - children - electrolyte - refeeding syndrome - mental anorexia
 

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