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Griffin K, Stitt D. Opioid-Associated Nervous System Injuries. Semin Neurol 2024. [PMID: 38848747 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
With the rise of the opioid epidemic, the practicing neurologist must recognize the patterns of a growing number of opioid-associated neurological injuries. This is in addition to the classic toxidrome of miosis, altered mental status, and respiratory depression, which must never be overlooked, as it is reversible and potentially lifesaving. Several other idiosyncratic syndromes due to opioid-related nervous system insults are defined by their characteristic imaging findings and portend variable functional recovery. Opioid toxicity can not only lead to brain injury, but also spinal cord and, rarely, peripheral nerve injury. As several newer synthetic opioids are undetectable by most assays, a low threshold to suspect opioid exposure must be maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Griffin
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, New York
| | - Derek Stitt
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, New York
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2
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Cañas CA, Posso-Osorio I, Rivera-Londoño R, Bolaños JD, Granados AM. Severe cerebral edema related to oral methadone: A case report and literature review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26111. [PMID: 38390136 PMCID: PMC10881884 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Opioids are widely used for pain management, and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) has been evidenced in some cases. We reported a patient with severe cerebral edema after initiating methadone and its complete resolution upon discontinuing the medication. Additionally, a review of the literature is made. Case report A 53-year-old woman patient with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus developed mechanic chronic lower back pain, refractory to conventional treatments. She presented improvement with oxycodone. She withdrew this medication due to a lack of supplies in her country (Colombia) and showed withdrawal symptoms. She consulted the emergency department, where oral methadone was started and symptom control was achieved. Three days after admission, she presented intense headaches and emesis. A brain CT scan was performed in which severe cerebral edema was appreciated. Methadone was discontinued, and neurological symptoms quickly disappeared. A follow-up brain CT scan was performed later, finding full resolution of the edema. Conclusion A case of severe cerebral edema associated with the initiation of oral methadone and its rapid resolution without neurological sequelae after its withdrawal is presented, clinicians must be attentive to this adverse event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Cañas
- Universidad Icesi, CIRAT: Research Center in Rheumatology, Autoimmunity and Translational Medicine, Valle del Cauca, Cali, Colombia
- Fundación Valle del Lili, Rheumatology Unit, Valle del Cauca, Cra. 98 No. 18-49, Cali, 760032, Colombia
| | - Ivan Posso-Osorio
- Fundación Valle del Lili, Rheumatology Unit, Valle del Cauca, Cra. 98 No. 18-49, Cali, 760032, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Faculty of Health Sciences, Valle del Cauca, Cali, Colombia
| | | | - Juan D Bolaños
- Fundación Valle del Lili, Clinical Research Center, Cali, 760032, Colombia
| | - Ana M Granados
- Fundación Valle del Lili, Radiology Unit, Valle del Cauca, Cra. 98 No. 18-49, Cali, 760032, Colombia
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3
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Chau LQ, Crawford JR. Neuroimaging features of accidental fentanyl overdose in a toddler. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e258524. [PMID: 38191218 PMCID: PMC10806892 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic has become a significant public health crisis worldwide. With the rise in popularity of fentanyl, opioid overdoses continue to rise at unprecedented rates. Unfortunately, young children have become collateral damage in the face of the opioid epidemic. Accidental exposures and ingestions are the leading cause of opioid overdose in this age group and can result in significant acute complications, long-term sequelae and even death. We present the case of a toddler with accidental fentanyl ingestion who experienced seizures and required intubation for respiratory distress. He was found to have notable diffusion restriction cerebellar changes on MRI and ultimately discharged with normal neurological function. Our case adds to the growing literature of the clinical presentation and neuroimaging features associated with opioid toxicity in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne Q Chau
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - John Ross Crawford
- Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Orange County, Orange, California, USA
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4
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Atac MF, Vilanilam GK, Damalcheruvu PR, Pandey I, Vattoth S. Cerebellar, hippocampal, and basal nuclei transient edema with restricted diffusion (CHANTER) syndrome in the setting of opioid and phencyclidine use. Radiol Case Rep 2023; 18:3496-3500. [PMID: 37554665 PMCID: PMC10405156 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar, hippocampal, and basal nuclei transient edema with restricted diffusion (CHANTER) syndrome is a constellation of specific imaging findings characterized by cytotoxic edema in the bilateral hippocampi, cerebellar cortices, and basal ganglia in patients presenting with altered mental status in the setting of substance intoxication. Previous case reports have demonstrated a strong correlation between CHANTER syndrome and polysubstance abuse, particularly with opioid intoxication. The patient we present in this case was found unresponsive following opioid use and demonstrated a constellation of findings on initial and follow-up imaging, consistent with CHANTER syndrome. While cases of irreversible brain damage or death during hospitalization have been reported in the literature, our patient demonstrated near-full recovery a few days after admission to the hospital. We aim to highlight the presentation and progression of CHANTER syndrome and alert clinicians and radiologists to include this entity in their diagnostic checklist for patients with polysubstance abuse and altered mental status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed F. Atac
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St., Slot 556, Little Rock, AR, 72205 USA
| | - George K. Vilanilam
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St., Slot 556, Little Rock, AR, 72205 USA
| | - Prashanth Reddy Damalcheruvu
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St., Slot 556, Little Rock, AR, 72205 USA
| | - Ishan Pandey
- Pre Medicine Professional Track, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76706, USA
| | - Surjith Vattoth
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St., Slot 556, Little Rock, AR, 72205 USA
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5
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Simich S, Muritala M, Li SF. Fatal fentanyl-associated cerebellitis in a young man. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 63:178.e1-178.e3. [PMID: 36192246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A 22-year-old man was brought in by EMS for coma and respiratory failure. The initial diagnosis was an opioid overdose but the patient did not respond to naloxone. A head CT revealed findings consistent with cerebellitis. The patient developed obstructive hydrocephalus and herniation. Despite neurosurgical and ICU care, the patient did not recover. Cerebellitis is a seldom-discussed complication of opioid use which may become more common as the opioid and fentanyl epidemic evolves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Simich
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Muhammed Muritala
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Siu Fai Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States of America.
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6
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Mallikarjun KS, Parsons MS, Nigogosyan Z, Goyal MS, Eldaya RW. Neuroimaging Findings in CHANTER Syndrome: A Case Series. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2022; 43:1136-1141. [PMID: 35798385 PMCID: PMC9575414 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a distinct clinicoradiologic entity involving cerebellar, hippocampal, and basal nuclei transient edema with restricted diffusion (CHANTER) on MR imaging was identified. Patients present in an unresponsive state following exposure to drugs of abuse. Very little information exists regarding this entity, particularly in the radiology literature. We identify and describe 3 patients at our institution with similar clinical and radiographic findings. Multifocal restricted diffusion in the brain is typically associated with poor outcomes. By contrast, CHANTER involves intraventricular obstructive hydrocephalus that, when treated, can lead to substantial recovery. This novel syndrome should be on the differential in patients who present in an unresponsive state after recent opioid use in the context of the above imaging findings. Additional diagnoses on the differential can include ischemic stroke, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, "chasing the dragon," leukoencephalopathy, opioid-associated amnestic syndrome, and pediatric opioid-use-associated neurotoxicity with cerebellar edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Mallikarjun
- From the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (K.S.M., M.S.P., Z.N., M.S.G., R.W.E.), Washington University School of Medicine, Ringgold Standard Institution, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - M S Parsons
- From the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (K.S.M., M.S.P., Z.N., M.S.G., R.W.E.), Washington University School of Medicine, Ringgold Standard Institution, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Z Nigogosyan
- From the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (K.S.M., M.S.P., Z.N., M.S.G., R.W.E.), Washington University School of Medicine, Ringgold Standard Institution, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - M S Goyal
- From the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (K.S.M., M.S.P., Z.N., M.S.G., R.W.E.), Washington University School of Medicine, Ringgold Standard Institution, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - R W Eldaya
- From the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (K.S.M., M.S.P., Z.N., M.S.G., R.W.E.), Washington University School of Medicine, Ringgold Standard Institution, St. Louis, Missouri.,MD Anderson Cancer Center, Diagnostic Imaging Division (R.W.E.), Houston, Texas
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7
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Serrallach BL, Orman G, Boltshauser E, Hackenberg A, Desai NK, Kralik SF, Huisman TAGM. Neuroimaging in cerebellar ataxia in childhood: A review. J Neuroimaging 2022; 32:825-851. [PMID: 35749078 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxia is one of the most common pediatric movement disorders and can be caused by a large number of congenital and acquired diseases affecting the cerebellum or the vestibular or sensory system. It is mainly characterized by gait abnormalities, dysmetria, intention tremor, dysdiadochokinesia, dysarthria, and nystagmus. In young children, ataxia may manifest as the inability or refusal to walk. The diagnostic approach begins with a careful clinical history including the temporal evolution of ataxia and the inquiry of additional symptoms, is followed by a meticulous physical examination, and, depending on the results, is complemented by laboratory assays, electroencephalography, nerve conduction velocity, lumbar puncture, toxicology screening, genetic testing, and neuroimaging. Neuroimaging plays a pivotal role in either providing the final diagnosis, narrowing the differential diagnosis, or planning targeted further workup. In this review, we will focus on the most common form of ataxia in childhood, cerebellar ataxia (CA). We will discuss and summarize the neuroimaging findings of either the most common or the most important causes of CA in childhood or present causes of pediatric CA with pathognomonic findings on MRI. The various pediatric CAs will be categorized and presented according to (a) the cause of ataxia (acquired/disruptive vs. inherited/genetic) and (b) the temporal evolution of symptoms (acute/subacute, chronic, progressive, nonprogressive, and recurrent). In addition, several illustrative cases with their key imaging findings will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina L Serrallach
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gunes Orman
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eugen Boltshauser
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annette Hackenberg
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nilesh K Desai
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Stephen F Kralik
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thierry A G M Huisman
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Acute Cytotoxic Cerebellar Edema Subsequent to Fentanyl Patch Intoxication in an Infant. Case Rep Crit Care 2021; 2021:9449565. [PMID: 34540294 PMCID: PMC8443378 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9449565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic continues to have devastating consequences for children and families across the United States with rising prevalence of opioid use and abuse. Given the ease of access to these medications, accidental ingestion and overdose by children are becoming increasingly more common. The recognition of opioid-induced neurotoxicity and the associated life-threatening complication of acute cerebellar cytotoxic edema are crucial, as are the high morbidity and mortality without timely intervention. We discuss an infant with acute cytotoxic cerebellar edema following mucosal exposure to a transdermal fentanyl patch.
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9
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Jones E, Umasankar U, Mallu H, Hampton T, Kulendran A, Patel M. Lesson of the month: Oxycodone-induced leukoencephalopathy: a rare diagnosis. Clin Med (Lond) 2021; 20:600-602. [PMID: 33199329 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2020-06500-0-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Oxycodone-induced leukoencephalopathy is a rare diagnosis that should be considered in unconscious patients with appropriate history. We describe a case of a 57-year-old unconscious woman who required intubation and did not respond to naloxone infusion. The unconsciousness was initially thought to be due to hypoxic brain injury. However, a further review of brain imaging showed characteristic features of oxycodone-induced leukoencephalopathy. We describe the pathological and radiological features of this condition, and provide a concise review of the limited literature on this condition. Accurate diagnosis of this condition will be valuable to clinicians and patients in terms of their medium-term and long-term prognosis, and potential for rehabilitation.
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10
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Blackwood CA, Cadet JL. The molecular neurobiology and neuropathology of opioid use disorder. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 2. [PMID: 35548327 PMCID: PMC9090195 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2021.100023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of people diagnosed with opioid use disorder has skyrocketed as a consequence of the opioid epidemic and the increased prescribing of opioid drugs for chronic pain relief. Opioid use disorder is characterized by loss of control of drug taking, continued drug use in the presence of adverse consequences, and repeated relapses to drug taking even after long periods of abstinence. Patients who suffer from opioid use disorder often present with cognitive deficits that are potentially secondary to structural brain abnormalities that vary according to the chemical composition of the abused opioid. This review details the neurobiological effects of oxycodone, morphine, heroin, methadone, and fentanyl on brain neurocircuitries by presenting the acute and chronic effects of these drugs on the human brain. In addition, we review results of neuroimaging in opioid use disorder patients and/or histological studies from brains of patients who had expired after acute intoxication following long-term use of these drugs. Moreover, we include relevant discussions of the neurobiological mechanisms involved in promoting abnormalities in the brains of opioid-exposed patients. Finally, we discuss how novel strategies could be used to provide pharmacological treatment against opioid use disorder. Brain abnormalities caused by opioid intoxication. Intoxication of opioids leads to defects in brain neurocircuitries. Insight into the molecular mechanisms associated with craving in heroin addicts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Corresponding author.Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program 251 Bayview Boulevard Baltimore, MD, USA
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11
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Serum neurofilament light chain as outcome marker for intensive care unit patients. J Neurol 2020; 268:1323-1329. [PMID: 33098034 PMCID: PMC7990850 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10277-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective Neurofilament light chain (NfL) in serum indicates neuro-axonal damage in diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. Reliable markers to enable early estimation of clinical outcome of intensive care unit (ICU) patients are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate, whether serum NfL levels are a possible biomarker for prediction of outcome of ICU patients. Methods Thirty five patients were prospectively examined from admission to ICU until discharge from the hospital or death. NfL levels were measured longitudinally by a Simoa assay. Results NfL was elevated in all ICU patients and reached its maximum at day 35 of ICU treatment. Outcome determined by modified Rankin Scale at the end of the follow-up period correlated with NfL level at admission, especially in the group of patients with impairment of the central nervous system (n = 25, r = 0.56, p = 0.02). Conclusion NfL could be used as a prognostic marker for outcome of ICU patients, especially in patients with impairment of the central nervous system.
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12
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Wheaton T, Toll BJ, Breznak K, Da-Silva S, Melvin J, Misra A, Hwang SW. Opioid-induced toxic leukoencephalopathy: A case report and review of the literature. Heliyon 2019; 5:e03005. [PMID: 31879710 PMCID: PMC6920259 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e03005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Reports of toxic leukoencephalopathy (TLE) due to opioids have been extensively documented within the adult literature. There is a paucity of literature with respect to the incidence, complications, and outcomes of TLE in the pediatric population. Objective To describe a rare complication of opioid ingestion in the pediatric population and serve as the first large review of published cases of opioid-induced leukoencephalopathy. Thirteen case reports with varying treatments are herein reviewed in addition to our own case. The range of treatment modalities, morbidity and mortality are broad and outcomes secondary to supportive care versus neurosurgical intervention is explored. Evidence review All cases of pediatric opioid-induced toxic leukoencephalopathy published on pubmed and google scholar were included in this review. Findings We report the case of a 4-year old male surgically treated for acute oxycodone-induced TLE who initially presented with Glascow Coma Scale of 4 and a comatose state for weeks. Over the next several months he recovered with spasticity of all extremities, oral aversion, substantial vision loss, and the ability to speak in short sentences. In addition, we found thirteen other reported cases of opioid-induced leukoencephalopathy reported in the literature. The treatment approaches described range from supportive care alone, to invasive neurosurgical interventions including placement of extraventricular drains, removal of hemorrhagic tissue, and craniectomy. The outcomes of patients with opioid-induced leukoencephalopathy is also variable. Reports demonstrate a range of outcomes that include patients who died to those with no residual neurologic deficits. Conclusions This review of reported pediatric cases of opioid-induced leukoencephalopathy highlights the importance of early neurosurgical intervention for prevention of devastating outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Wheaton
- St Christopher's Hospital for Children, Department of Critical Care Medicine, 160 E Erie Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19134, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Brandon J. Toll
- Shriners Hospitals for Children-Philadelphia, Departments of Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery, 3551 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Kara Breznak
- St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Department of Neurosurgery, 160 Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA
| | - Shonola Da-Silva
- Shriners Hospitals for Children-Philadelphia, Department of Critical Care, 3551 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Joseph Melvin
- St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Department of Neurology, 160 Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA
| | - Amit Misra
- St Christopher's Hospital for Children, Department of Critical Care Medicine, 160 E Erie Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19134, USA
| | - Steven W. Hwang
- Shriners Hospitals for Children-Philadelphia, Departments of Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery, 3551 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Department of Neurosurgery, 160 Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA
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Chen CH, Mullen AJ, Hofstede D, Rizvi T. Malignant cerebellar edema in three-year-old girl following accidental opioid ingestion and fentanyl administration. Neuroradiol J 2019; 32:386-391. [PMID: 31328634 PMCID: PMC6728701 DOI: 10.1177/1971400919863713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A three-year-old girl was found altered with an unknown timeline. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry was positive for hydromorphone, dihydrocodeine, and hydrocodone. Initial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging suggested a malignant cerebellar edema not confined to a vascular distribution. She received fentanyl boluses on hospital days 0 and 1 before receiving a continuous infusion on day 1. On day 3, she had an episode of acute hypertension and bradycardia. Emergent computed tomography showed an evolving hydrocephalus and similar diffuse edema throughout both cerebellar hemispheres. External ventricular drain was placed to relieve the increased intracranial pressure. Following drain placement and fentanyl discontinuation, the patient recovered, though not without fine- and gross-motor deficits at the four-month follow-up. Our case adds to a handful of case reports of opioid toxicity in pediatric patients that present as toxic leukoencephalopathy. Though the mechanism is poorly understood, it has been suggested to be a consequence of the neurotoxic effects of the drug, which has particular affinity for µ opioid receptors-the primary opioid receptor found in the cerebellum. Clinicians would do well to recognize that this syndrome is primarily caused by direct toxicity rather than ischemia. This case adds insight by suggesting that lipophilic opioid analgesics may worsen this neurotoxicity. When intervening with mechanical ventilation, clinicians should consider avoiding lipophilic opioid drugs for analgesia until the pathogenesis of cerebellar edema is better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy H Chen
- School of Medicine, University of
Mississippi, USA
| | | | - Dustin Hofstede
- Department of Radiology,
University
of Mississippi Medical Center, USA
| | - Tanvir Rizvi
- Department of Radiology, University of
Virginia Health System, USA
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14
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Tiong SC, Chieng JSL, Khoo HW, Ng CH. Methadone-induced Toxic Encephalopathy In Pediatric Patients: Two Case Reports. J Radiol Case Rep 2019; 13:1-9. [PMID: 31558953 DOI: 10.3941/jrcr.v13i5.3658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxic encephalopathy is a wide spectrum of encephalopathy secondary to insult from toxic substances, with variable clinical presentations from minor cognitive impairment to severe neurological dysfunction and death. Methadone-induced toxic encephalopathy is an extremely rare form of toxic encephalopathy which typically demonstrates abnormal imaging findings in the dentate nuclei or cerebellum. This is a report of methadone-induced toxic encephalopathy in two toddlers secondary to accidental ingestion. They were brought in unconscious to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital and were found to be cyanotic and pulseless, requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation and mechanical ventilation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain of both patients showed similar findings of symmetrical hyperintense foci in bilateral cerebellar hemispheres on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences. These areas also demonstrated diffusion restriction on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Blood and urine toxicology results confirmed the presence of methadone in both patients. As the exact substance of accidental ingestion may not be known at the time of presentation, early radiological diagnosis of methadone-induced encephalopathy may prompt early initiation of treatment to prevent further life-threatening complications, particularly in vulnerable pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Ching Tiong
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Hau Wei Khoo
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Chee Hui Ng
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
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15
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Kim DD, Shoesmith C, Ang LC. Toxic diffuse isolated cerebellar edema from over-the-counter health supplements. Neurology 2019; 92:965-966. [PMID: 30971482 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000007510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Dongkyung Kim
- From the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (D.D.K., C.S.) and Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (L.-C.A.), Western University, London, Canada.
| | - Christen Shoesmith
- From the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (D.D.K., C.S.) and Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (L.-C.A.), Western University, London, Canada
| | - Lee-Cyn Ang
- From the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (D.D.K., C.S.) and Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (L.-C.A.), Western University, London, Canada
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