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Pichon M, Majhadi L, Menn AM. Neurological Manifestations Induced by Nitrous Oxide Abuse: A Case Series and Review of Literature. Neurologist 2024; 29:113-119. [PMID: 37839087 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nitrous oxide (NO) abuse is increasing among young people. This can result in severe neurological disorders such as myelopathy and/or peripheral neuropathy. We report the clinical presentations, biological, radiologic and electrophysiological findings of 5 patients hospitalized with neurological symptoms consecutive to NO abuse. In addition, a literature review was conducted to describe the neurological characteristics and to identify factors associated with a poor recovery. CASE REPORT Among the 5 patients included, 2 had a myeloneuropathy, 2 had a sensorimotor neuropathy, and 1 had a normal spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography despite neurological manifestations consistent with myeloneuropathy. After vitamin B 12 supplementation, recovery was reported in 4 patients, and 1 was lost to follow-up.From the literature review, 154 patients were included [94 males; median age 22 (19 to 26) y; NO exposure 9 (3 to 18) mo]. A myelopathy was identified in 116 patients (75%) and a peripheral neuropathy was documented in 89 patients (58%). Compared with patients who recovered, those with sequelae were more likely to have a motor deficit at presentation ( P <0.001), to use NO regularly ( P <0.001), to have a lower vitamin B 12 level ( P =0.04), and a higher concentration of homocysteine ( P =0.04). A less extensive myelopathy was more frequently found in the group with favorable outcomes ( P =0.002). CONCLUSION Neurological disorders caused by NO may be challenging with severe clinical patterns. We identified several factors associated with a poor recovery, to make clinicians aware of NO-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Loubna Majhadi
- Neurology, Centre Hospitalier Victor Dupouy, Argenteuil, France
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Paris A, Lake L, Joseph A, Workman A, Walton J, Hayton T, Evangelou N, Lilleker JB, Ayling RM, Nicholl D, Noyce AJ. Nitrous oxide-induced subacute combined degeneration of the cord: diagnosis and treatment. Pract Neurol 2023; 23:222-228. [PMID: 36813556 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2022-003631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) has increased rapidly in recent years and is now the second most commonly used recreational drug among young people in the UK. There has been a corresponding rise in cases of nitrous oxide-induced subacute combined degeneration of the cord (N2O-SACD), a pattern of myeloneuropathy usually associated with severe vitamin B12 deficiency. This can cause serious and permanent disability in young people but, if recognised early, may be effectively treated. All neurologists should be aware of N2O-SACD and its treatment; however, there are currently no agreed guidelines. Based on our experience in East London, an area of high N2O use, we provide practical advice on its recognition, investigation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvar Paris
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Centre for Prevention, Diagnosis and Detection, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Luke Lake
- Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Albert Joseph
- Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Anna Workman
- Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Joseph Walton
- Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Tom Hayton
- Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.,Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nikos Evangelou
- Academic Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.,Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences Academic Unit, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - James B Lilleker
- Muscle Diseases Unit, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK.,Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ruth M Ayling
- Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - David Nicholl
- Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alastair J Noyce
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Centre for Prevention, Diagnosis and Detection, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK .,Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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Kobayashi M. The utility of diffusion-weighted imaging in patients with spinal cord infarction: difference from the findings of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:382. [PMID: 36221057 PMCID: PMC9552435 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02903-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in diagnosing spinal cord infarction (SCI). However, the findings are often indistinguishable from those of other intramedullary diseases, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Although diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a promising technique, the utility for discriminating SCI from NMOSD remains unclear because the DWI findings of acute NMOSD lesions have not been investigated in detail. Methods Clinical and MRI findings were retrospectively evaluated in 15 and 12 patients with acute SCI and NMOSD, respectively. First, clinical characteristics were compared between the SCI and NMOSD groups. Second, MRI abnormalities were examined to find differences between these groups. Third, in the SCI group, factors influencing T2 and DWI abnormalities were analyzed using the mixed-effects logistic regression analysis. Results The proportion of female patients was higher in the NMOSD group (92%) than in the SCI (40%). The time from symptom onset to nadir was smaller in the SCI group (median [interquartile range]; 4 [0.1–8.3] hours) than in the NMOSD (252 [162–576]). On T2-weighted images, SCI lesions had smaller length than NMOSD (2 [1–2] and 5 [2–7] vertebral segments, respectively). Focal lesions within the T9–L2 level were found only in patients with SCI. DWI hyperintensity was observed both in the SCI (frequency, 100%) and NMOSD (60%) groups. On apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, the hyperintensities of SCI had corresponding hypointensities, whereas those of NMOSD were isointense and a large portion of NMOSD lesions had hyperintense signals. Owl’s eyes sign and pencil-like hyperintensity, typically reported as T2 findings suggestive of SCI, were also found on DWI. Posterior linear hyperintensity was frequently detected on DWI in patients with posterior spinal artery infarction. The presence of MRI abnormality revealing SCI was modeled with the time from symptom onset, imaging sequence and plane, and affected vascular territory. Conclusions DWI and ADC maps help distinguish SCI from NMOSD. The time from symptom onset, imaging sequence, and imaging plane should be considered when MRI findings are interpreted in patients with suspected SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Kobayashi
- Department of Neurology, Asahi General Hospital, 1326 I, Asahi, Chiba, 289-2511, Japan.
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Marsden P, Sharma AA, Rotella JA. Review article: Clinical manifestations and outcomes of chronic nitrous oxide misuse: A systematic review. Emerg Med Australas 2022; 34:492-503. [PMID: 35695047 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.13997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recreational nitrous oxide (N2 O) use is widespread, and complications associated with its use are increasingly common. We sought to identify risk factors, clinical features and outcomes in individuals presenting with effects of chronic N2 O abuse to develop an approach to clinical assessment and management. A systemic literature review was completed with searches conducted across EMBASE, MEDLINE, PSYCINFO and Cochrane databases. Our search strategy identified 612 studies, 105 met inclusion criteria, and 10 were added via hand search. Subjects from 24 case series and 91 case reports were typically in their 20s, using over 100 bulbs daily for several months. Neurological presentations, including sensory change, gait disturbance or weakness, were characteristic. Serum Vitamin B12 was normal or raised in 133 out of 243 case series subjects and 37 out of 84 reports. Serum homocysteine and methylmalonic acid were usually raised. Macrocytosis and anaemia were not commonly seen. MRI findings were abnormal with dorsal column change where specified, typically involving the cervical spine. Nerve conduction studies mostly reported a sensorimotor polyneuropathy. B12 replacement was the treatment of choice and partial recovery was most reported. This review highlights the dose-dependent nature of chronic N2 O toxicity and recognises functional B12 deficiency as the cause. As B12 is often normal, homocysteine and methylmalonic acid are important biomarkers of disease. An approach to diagnosis is offered but requires validation in prospective studies. Research exploring B12 and methionine therapy is required to refine management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierce Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Northern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aakriti A Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Northern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joe-Anthony Rotella
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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