A man in his 70s with known alcohol dependence syndrome was admitted to our institution after he was found collapsed at home. He reportedly consumed more than 1 bottle of liquor daily for several years. On general examination, he was unkempt and had a low body mass index consistent with his poor nutritional status. Neurological examination revealed gaze-evoked nystagmus in all directions, severe dysarthria, limb and truncal ataxia, and extensor plantars.
Neuroimaging revealed a striking triangular central pontine defect in keeping with central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) (Figure). The patient had normal sodium and glucose levels throughout his admission and for the previous 12-month period. Treatment with high-dose intravenous thiamine only led to a partial clinical improvement. He remained significantly disabled, unable to weight-bear, and required assistance with all activities of daily living by the time of his discharge.