Severe Hyponatremia Presenting with Mild Symptoms and Multifactorial Etiology

Authors

Nathaniel Lin, Northwell Health-Mather Hospital, Port Jefferson, New York, USAFollow
Muhammad Cheema, Northwell Health-Mather Hospital, Port Jefferson, New York, USA
Usman Fahim, Northwell Health-Mather Hospital, Port Jefferson, New York, USA
Abdullah Ali, Northwell Health-Mather Hospital, Port Jefferson, New York, USA
Andrew Weber, Northwell Health-Mather Hospital, Port Jefferson, New York, USA

Abstract

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disturbance; however, serum sodium level of 99 mEq/L without severe symptoms or known duration is rare and noteworthy. We report a case of an 87-year-old female who presented with fatigue, decreased appetite, and mild emesis for the past 2 days in which blood work revealed a serum sodium level 99 mEq/L. The etiology of hyponatremia in an elderly patient may be complex due to higher likelihood of co-morbid medical conditions. Additionally, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) can pose a diagnostic challenge as fewer than 50% of patients have typical lab results that confirm the diagnosis (1).

Recommended Citation

Lin, Nathaniel; Cheema, Muhammad; Fahim, Usman; Ali, Abdullah; and Weber, Andrew (2025) "Severe Hyponatremia Presenting with Mild Symptoms and Multifactorial Etiology," Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives: Vol. 15: Iss. 5, Article 17.
DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1540
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.gbmc.org/jchimp/vol15/iss5/17

DOI

10.55729/2000-9666.1540