Central pontine myelinolysis in childhood and adolescence.

Abstract

Central pontine myelinolysis, a pathological entity first described by Adams, Victor, and Mancall in 1959, is characterized by destruction of myelin sheaths in the central portion of the basis pontis, with relative sparing of both axis cylinders and neurones. Oligodendroglia are decreased in number or absent, and foamy macrophages accumulate in the involved area. Though the disorder may be suspected clinically, a diagnosis can be made only at necropsy.