Citation

Dabby R, Paleacu Kertesz D, Demurchev I, Hershkovich O, Ginsberg M, Sadeh M. Isr. Med. Assoc. J. 2024; 26(5): 294-298.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, Israel Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

38736344

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) has increased in recent years with a noticeable surge in the incidence of nitrous oxide-related myeloneuropathy.

OBJECTIVES: To raise awareness of increasing myeloneuropathy due to recreational nitrous oxide misuse in Israel.

METHODS: We conducted a case series documenting the clinical and investigative features of eight patients presenting with nitrous oxide-induced myeloneuropathy who were admitted to our departments.

RESULTS: Paresthesia was the chief complaint in all patients, with sensory gait ataxia being a common feature, which was often accompanied by Romberg's sign and mild lower limb weakness. Vitamin B12 levels were below the normal range in seven patients, accompanied by elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed hyperintense signals in the dorsal columns of the cervical spine. All patients improved following vitamin B12 injections.

CONCLUSIONS: Enhancing awareness, prompting the use of appropriate investigations, and advocating for timely treatment are needed to overcome the risks associated with nitrous oxide misuse.

Language: en

Keywords

*Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods; *Nitrous Oxide/adverse effects/administration & dosage; *Vitamin B 12/administration & dosage; Adult; Female; Gait Ataxia/chemically induced/etiology; Humans; Israel/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Paresthesia/chemically induced/diagnosis; Recreational Drug Use; Spinal Cord Diseases/chemically induced; Substance-Related Disorders/complications; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency/chemically induced/diagnosis; Young Adult