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Citation
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Ochoa-Orozco SA, Gutiérrez-Segura JC, Coral-Leiton AM, Trejos-Orozco EA, Gutiérrez-Sanjuán I, Carvajal-Guevara JD. Rev. Colomb. Psiquiatr. 2020; 49(4): 289-292. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Leukoencephalopathy is a myelin disorder caused by multiple agents, including substance abuse.
CASE: A 28-year-old man arrived at the emergency department having suffered from asthenia, dizziness, disorientation and ataxia for two months. He had a two-year history of heroin inhalation. He arrived in a normal physical condition. Brain magnetic resonance showed bilateral diffuse hypointense lesions in the white matter. At day 3 after admission, he presented neurological deterioration, stupor, haemodynamic instability, respiratory failure, and died.
DISCUSSION: Toxic leukoencephalopathy symptoms start with inattention, memory and personality changes, and may eventually cause dementia and death. Heroin inhalation is a common practice and can lead to leukoencephalopathy.
CONCLUSIONS: Leukoencephalopathy associated with heroin inhalation is a rare entity that mainly affects young adults and has a high social impact. Its aetiology is unclear, it has no effective treatment and there is a high mortality rate. Heroin consumption is on the rise in Colombia, so TL should be considered by medical staff.
Language: en |