A case of multiple sclerosis triggered by organic solvents.
The neurotoxicity of organic solvents has long been recognized. Some are used as anesthetic agents, others in various industries. Their acute effect has been well documented since the nineteenth century, but more recently they have become notorious as the cause of addiction to glue sniffing. They may alter the immune system by causing lymphopenia, impairing phagocytosis and decreasing the level of serum complement, as well as altering the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier and leading to the appearance of white matter lesions in the brain. The following case study explores the possible role of organic solvents in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
Reis
J
J
Department of Neuroradiology University Hospital, Strasbourg, France.
Dietemann
J L
JL
Warter
J M
JM
Poser
C M
CM
D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects*
D009930:Organic Chemicals; D012997:Solvents