title: Heterotopic ossification as a complication of carbon monoxide intoxication.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Gait impairment due to encephalopathy and neuropathy has been reported in carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. Heterotopic ossification (HO) as a cause of gait impairment after CO intoxication has never been reported. In this study we report a patient with HO after CO intoxication.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 21 year-old woman developed HO after CO intoxication, which resulted in progressive difficulties in ambulation. Bone scan 3 months later revealed HO around bilateral femoral joints and extended to proximal thighs. Selective involvement of bilateral iliopsoas, tensor fascia lata, rectus femoris, sartorius, and quadriceps muscles were found by muscle magnetic resonance imaging. Surgical intervention improved ambulation. A repeated bone scan 6 months after the operation showed no focal recurrence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CO intoxication can lead to HO through ischemic reperfusion injury. HO should be considered in patients with ambulation difficulties after CO intoxication. Excision of HO may be a treatment option to correct limitations in locomotion.
authors: Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors: Sheng-Hang
authors: SH
authors: Chen
authors: Shu-Hua
authors: SH
authors: Huang
authors: Wen-Neng
authors: WN
authors: Chang
authors: Chun-Chung
authors: CC
authors: Lui
authors: Chi-Wei
authors: CW
authors: Huang
authors: Yu-Ting
authors: YT
authors: Lin
authors: Chiung-Chih
authors: CC
authors: Chang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery