title: Acute reversible neurologic deficits due to ethyl chloride sniffing: a case report and review of literature.
abstract: Ethyl chloride (CH3CH2Cl) or chloroethane is a colorless volatile halogenated hydrocarbon gas found in many commercially available solvents, and it may be used as an inhalant of abuse. Neurologic toxicity has been reported, as well as deaths. We present a case of a 47-year-old HIV-positive man who presented with acute reversible neurologic deficits secondary to inhalational exposure to ethyl chloride. Laboratory studies and neuroimaging are nondiagnostic in ethyl chloride-induced neurotoxicity and thus requires a high index of clinical suspicion. The mainstay of treatment is supportive with withdrawal of the offending agent and observation for resolution of neurologic symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Joseph Hospital, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Mourad H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Senussi
authors.forename: Shyam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chalise
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D005018:Ethyl Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D058545:Inhalant Abuse / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000209:etiology*; D012997:Solvents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D012997:Solvents; D005018:Ethyl Chloride