Bourekba I, Halfi I, Ech Cherif Kettani N, Fikri M, Jidane M, Touarsa F. The dangers of "Chasing the dragon": a fatal case of heroin-induced leukoencephalopathy.
BJR Case Rep 2024;
10:uaad004. [PMID:
38352254 PMCID:
PMC10860508 DOI:
10.1093/bjrcr/uaad004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Heroin-induced leukoencephalopathy (HLE) is a rare toxic encephalopathy associated primarily with heroin inhalation, commonly referred to as "chasing the dragon." This study presents a clinical case of a 27-year-old polydrug user diagnosed with HLE during hospitalization for rapidly progressive flaccid tetraplegia and aphasia. The clinical manifestations encompassed cerebellar and bulbar dysfunction, coupled with motor impairment and altered consciousness. Based on the clinical data and MRI results, HLE was identified as the most likely cause. This article aims to provide insights into the clinical and radiological aspects of HLE, emphasizing the diagnostic significance of radiological findings. The gold standard examination for diagnosis is MRI, crucial due to the difficulties in obtaining histological confirmation for this rare condition.
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