title: [Peripheral neuropathy due to N-hexane in a drug addict (author's transl)].
abstract: After voluntary inhalation of a domestic solvent containing N-Hexane and N-Heptane for three months, a 23-year-old woman developed motor deficit of the lower limbs, sensory symptoms and areflexia. Clinical disorders continued to progress after discontinuation of the intoxication, with a parallel aggravation of the E.M.G. disturbances. A nerve biopsy with ultrastructural study showed axon dilatation with accumulation of neurofilaments. The clinical, electrophysiological and pathological features of neuropathies induced by hexacarbon solvents are reviewed and their pathogenesis is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001369:Axons / Q000187:drug effects; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000294:innervation; D006536:Heptanes / Q000009:adverse effects; D006586:Hexanes / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D009138:Musculocutaneous Nerve / Q000187:drug effects; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D006536:Heptanes; D006586:Hexanes; C026385:n-hexane; C028618:n-heptane
vernacular_title: Neuropathie périphérique au N-hexane chez une toxicomane.