Acute Symptomatic Hyponatremia With Reversible Diffuse Brain Edema on CT

Hyponatremia-induced altered consciousness is a common clinical presentation, and brain edema is a well-known complication. However, few reports describe detailed imaging findings or discuss the neurological prognosis in such cases. We report a case of acute symptomatic hyponatremia in which diffuse brain edema was evident on CT at admission. The imaging findings resolved with appropriate treatment during hospitalization, and the patient recovered with no neurological sequelae. This case demonstrates that brain edema caused by hyponatremia can be reversible and does not necessarily predict a poor neurological outcome. It also highlights the importance of considering water intoxication in patients presenting with hyponatremia and diffuse brain edema. Additionally, it suggests that CT findings may assist in guiding treatment strategies for severe hyponatremia.

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Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-11-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.97960
Primary Topic
Electrolyte and hormonal disorders
Type
article
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0.00
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article

Acute Symptomatic Hyponatremia With Reversible Diffuse Brain Edema on CT

So Sakamoto, Chikao Ito, Isao Takahashi, Y. Yoshiike
Cureus
Electrolyte and hormonal disorders
article

Acute Symptomatic Hyponatremia With Reversible Diffuse Brain Edema on CT

So Sakamoto, Chikao Ito, Isao Takahashi, Y. Yoshiike
article en

Abstract

Hyponatremia-induced altered consciousness is a common clinical presentation, and brain edema is a well-known complication. However, few reports describe detailed imaging findings or discuss the neurological prognosis in such cases. We report a case of acute symptomatic hyponatremia in which diffuse brain edema was evident on CT at admission. The imaging findings resolved with appropriate treatment during hospitalization, and the patient recovered with no neurological sequelae. This case demonstrates that brain edema caused by hyponatremia can be reversible and does not necessarily predict a poor neurological outcome. It also highlights the importance of considering water intoxication in patients presenting with hyponatremia and diffuse brain edema. Additionally, it suggests that CT findings may assist in guiding treatment strategies for severe hyponatremia.

CureusVol. 17(11)
Asahi General Hospital (JP)
Openalex Percentile: Top 45%
Electrolyte and hormonal disorders
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