Neuroimaging features of heroin inhalation toxicity: "chasing the dragon".
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to illustrate the dramatic neuroimaging findings of toxic leukoencephalopathy caused by heroin vapor inhalation.


CONCLUSIONS
Symmetric abnormality involving the cerebellar white matter and posterior limb of the internal capsule is characteristic of heroin vapor inhalation toxicity, although involvement may be more extensive, depending on the severity of the condition. MR imaging and CT appear to be essential for making this diagnosis because clinical history is often unreliable and findings at physical examination are nonspecific.
Keogh
Ciaran F
CF
Department of Radiology, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre UBC Site, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Andrews
Gordon T
GT
Spacey
Sian D
SD
Forkheim
Kevin E
KE
Graeb
Douglas A
DA
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003932:Heroin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D009294:Narcotics; D003932:Heroin