Reversible MRI changes of hypothalamus in a multiple sclerosis patient with homeostatic disturbances

• Published in: European radiology Vol. 12 Suppl 3; no. S3; pp. S28 - S31
• Main Authors: Tsui, E Y K, Yip, S F, Ng, S H, Cheung, Y K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Springer Nature B.V 01-12-2002
• Subjects: Female; Homeostasis - physiology; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - diagnostic imaging; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - physiopathology; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Middle Aged; Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive - diagnosis; Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive - physiopathology; Pituitary-Adrenal System - diagnostic imaging; Pituitary-Adrenal System - physiopathology; Radiography
• ISSN: 0938-7994; 1432-1084
• DOI: 10.1007/s00330-002-1468-1

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients occasionally present with homeostatic disturbances suggestive of hypothalamic dysfunction; however, the hypothalamus often appears normal on imaging, apart from confirmation in a few necropsy studies. In this article we describe a Chinese woman with atypical clinical presentation. She presented with relapsing symptoms and signs consistent with hypothalamic dysfunction including hyperprolactinema, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH), hypersomnolence and temperature dysregulation. Serial MRI depicted the atypical reversible changes in the hypothalamus, correlating with the observed homeostatic abnormalities.