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Professional Technical IVT

cranial diabetes insipidus

Condition caused by inadequate antidiuretic hormone production by the hypothalamus or posterior pituitary, resulting in excessive urination.

Full Definition

Cranial diabetes insipidus (CDI), also known as central diabetes insipidus, results from deficient production, synthesis, or release of antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) by the hypothalamus or posterior pituitary gland. This leads to the inability to concentrate urine, causing polyuria, polydipsia, and risk of dehydration and hypernatremia. Causes include congenital defects, tumors, trauma, infections, or autoimmune processes affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Diagnosis is confirmed through water deprivation testing and desmopressin response. Treatment involves desmopressin replacement and careful fluid balance monitoring.

Usage

Usage note: Specify 'cranial' or 'central' to distinguish from nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

In Context

  • "Water deprivation testing confirmed cranial diabetes insipidus with appropriate response to desmopressin." — Diagnostic test interpretation
  • "The patient's cranial diabetes insipidus was well-controlled with intranasal desmopressin therapy." — Treatment follow-up

Also known as

central diabetes insipidus CDI neurogenic diabetes insipidus

Contrasted with

nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Don't confuse with

nephrogenic diabetes insipidus primary polydipsia

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