Hypodipsic Hypernatremia with Normal Osmoregulation of Vasopressin

Abstract

HYPODIPSIC hypernatremia is an uncommon syndrome that has been observed in children and adults with various congenital or acquired diseases of the brain.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 The syndrome is characterized by chronic or recurrent episodes of severe hypernatremia associated with dehydration and a lack of thirst. In all previous carefully evaluated cases, hypodipsia has been associated with some defect in secretion of the antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin.1 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 , 19 , 21 22 23 24 25 26 Often, the defect in secretion of vasopressin is clinically inapparent and can be demonstrated only by assay of the hormonal response to osmotic stimulation or suppression.1 , 7 , 15 16 17 , 19 , 23 24 25 26 This constellation of deficits suggests that the syndrome is due . . .