Transient diabetes insipidus after vasopressin discontinuation in cystic fibrosis with septic shock.

Central diabetes insipidus (DI) is an uncommon condition caused by reduced or lack of vasopressin secretion from the posterior pituitary gland, typically caused by gland destruction. Several other causes for central DI have also been proposed. Here we present a case of transient central DI after discontinuation of vasopressin used for septic shock without evidence of overt pituitary damage in a cystic fibrosis patient. The serum sodium concentration peaked at 137 mmol/L in the setting of polyuria within 3 days of vasopressin discontinuation without other identified alternative etiologies. Sodium levels and urine output trended down dramatically with desmopressin administration.