Coexistence of Central Diabetes Insipidus andProlonged Cerebral Salt Wasting Syndrome after BrainTumor Surgery: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Disturbances in water and salt balances are relatively common in children afterbrain tumor surgery. However, the coexistence of different diseases of water andsodium homeostasis is challenging to diagnose and treat. The coexistence ofcombined central diabetes insipidus (CDI) and cerebral salt wasting syndrome(CSWS) is rare and may impede accurate diagnosis. Herein, we report the case ofan 18-year-old girl who underwent surgery for a germinoma and who presentedprolonged coexistence of CDI and CSWS. The patient was diagnosed with panhypopituitarismwith CDI at presentation and was treated with hydrocortisone, levothyroxine,and desmopressin. Postoperatively, she developed polyuria of morethan 3L/day, with a maximum daily urine output of 7.2 L/day. Her serum sodiumlevel decreased from 148 to 131 mEq/L. Polyuria was treated with desmopressin atincremental doses, and hyponatremia was managed with fluid replacement. At 2months after surgery, she presented with hyponatremia-induced seizure. Polyuriaand hyponatremia combined with natriuresis indicated CSWS. Treatment with fludrocortisonewere initiated; then, her electrolyte level gradually normalized. CSWSis self-limiting and generally resolves within 2 weeks. However, the patient in thisstudy still required treatment with vasopressin and fludrocortisone at 16-monthsafter surgery.Hyponatremia in a patient with CDI may be erroneously interpretedas inadequateCDI control or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormonesecretion, leading to inappropriate treatment. The identification of the potentialcombination of CDI and CSWS is important for early diagnosis and treatment.