Basal ganglia lesions following carbon monoxide poisoning.
OBJECTIVE
Carbon monoxide (CO) is the most common cause of poisoning and may result in basal ganglia lesions. This study reviewed the literature of carbon monoxide poisoning and basal ganglia lesions and prospectively assessed the prevalence of basal ganglia lesions in a cohort of patients with CO poisoning.


METHODS
Literature review and prospective cohort study.


METHODS
This study conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and assessed 73 CO-poisoned patients for basal ganglia lesions on sequential MR scans. Magnetic resonance scans were obtained on day 1, 2 weeks and 6 months post-CO poisoning.


RESULTS
The literature review found basal ganglia lesions occur in 4-88% of subjects. Only one patient was found with globus pallidus lesions at 2 weeks and 6 months following CO poisoning, that were not present on the initial day 1 MR scan.


CONCLUSIONS
Basal ganglia lesions, including lesions of the globus pallidus, may be less common than previously reported.
Pyschology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602-5543, USA. mona_hopkins@byu.edu
Ramona O
RO
Hopkins
Michael A
MA
Fearing
Lindell K
LK
Weaver
John F
JF
Foley
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000150:complications*; D002421:Caudate Nucleus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005917:Globus Pallidus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011699:Putamen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography