An exhaustive battle of salt: A challenging case of Adipsic Diabetes Insipidus following resection of Craniopharyngioma

Introduction: Even though rare, Adipsic Diabetes Insipidus (ADI) is a potentially life-threatening complication of craniopharyngioma: due to the mass effect of the tumor or perioperative consequences leading to severe hypernatremic dehydration. Even in expert hands, management of water balance, in the absence of thirst is extremely challenging.

Case Description: A 25-year-old gentleman, an electrician presented to the neurosurgical casualty with worsening headaches, impaired vision, and features of raised intracranial pressure over 2 months. He was found to have a large cystic suprasellar mass with well-defined margins measuring 2.7cm x 2.7cm x 3cm with chiasmal compression, suggestive of craniopharyngioma, complicating with bitemporal hemianopia, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (LH 0.78IU/L, FSH 1.2IU/L, Testosterone 33ng/dL), secondary hypothyroidism, cranial diabetes insipidus, prediabetes sparing the cortisol axis. He underwent transcranial resection of the tumor, revealing WHO grade1 adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma followed by radiotherapy. The post-operative period was complicated with severe hypernatremia despite escalating doses and changing dosage forms of desmopressin from parenteral to nasal spray to oral tablets. Two weeks following discharge, he presented with severe hypernatremia (176mEq/L), polyuria, weight loss, hypotension, and altered sensorium where his lack of thirst was appreciated.

Conclusions: In those with ADI, for the management of water balance, a “personalized approach” with the involvement of both patient and family is of paramount importance. With appropriate dose titration of desmopressin, careful fluid prescription, and frequent monitoring of electrolytes even at best centers, it is a battle that is hard to win.