title: Para-dichlorobenzene toxicity - a review of potential neurotoxic manifestations.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Para-dichlorobenzene (PDCB) is an active ingredient of mothballs, deodorizers and fumigants. Due to the easy availability of this chemical, there is a considerable risk for accidental or intentional toxic exposure. Recently, multiple cases of PDCB toxicity due to mothball ingestion were reported. PDCB toxicity can affect multiple organ systems including liver, kidneys, skin, lung and the central nervous system (CNS). CNS toxicity often results in leukoencephalopathy and heterogeneous neurological manifestations.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to illustrate the clinical presentation, imaging findings, diagnosis and management of PDCB toxicity.
  
  
  METHODS
  We carried out a literature review of the pharmacological and toxicological properties of PDCB.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PDCB and other aromatic hydrocarbons are capable of CNS tissue damage and in promoting functional neurological decline. While very little is currently known about prevalence of PDCB addiction, it cannot be ruled out that its illicit use among young people is under-recognized. The number of cases of PDCB toxicity might also rise due to the increasing industrial and domestic use of this chemical.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Divyanshu
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dubey
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Vibhash D
authors.initials: VD
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Steven E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Pass
authors.affiliation: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, India.
authors.forename: Anshudha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sawhney
authors.affiliation: Neurology Section, VA North Texas Health Care System, Medical Service, 4500 South Lancaster Road, Dallas, TX 75216, USA.
authors.forename: Olaf
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Stüve
keywords: Paradichlorobenzene; aromatic hydrocarbons; demyelination; leukoencephalopathy; mothballs; neurotoxicity