Transient Diabetes Insipidus as a Complication of Haemophilus Meningitis

Abstract

Diabetes insipidus has been described as a consequence of many acquired CNS lesions. It may develop following craniocerebral trauma,¹ subarachnoid or intraventricular hemorrhage,² hypothalamic lesions and pituitary tumors,^3-5 leukemia,⁶ hypoxic encephalopathy,⁷ and neurohypophyseal inflammation.⁸ Although it is also reported as a late complication of tuberculous meningitis^9-13 associated with suprasellar calcification, it most often occurs in this circumstance as part of the clinical picture of panhypopituitarism. The occurrence of diabetes insipidus, either temporary or permanent, as a complication of bacterial meningitis has rarely been reported. It is the purpose of this report to describe a case of transient vasopressin (Pitressin)-responsive diabetes insipidus complicating Haemophilus meningitis, to discuss the possible pathophysiology, and to outline the diagnosis and management.