Delayed leukoencephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide intoxication.

Abstract

Delayed leukoencephalopathy is an uncommon complication of hypoxic-ischemic events of different etiologies, including carbon monoxide intoxication. We present a case of a 40-year-old male patient who was admitted with rapidly progressive neurocognitive and behavioral deficits. There was a history of accidental carbon monoxide intoxication one month before, presenting with loss of consciousness and short hospitalization, followed by a complete clinical recovery. The imaging studies in the delayed phase depicted confluent, symmetric supra-tentorial white matter lesions in keeping with diffuse demyelinization. Restricted diffusion and metabolite abnormalities in magnetic resonance proton spectroscopy were also seen. The diagnosis of CO-mediated delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy was assumed after exclusion of other mimickers. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was tentatively performed and the patient had a favorable clinical and radiological evolution.

• Authors: Ana Filipa Geraldo, Cristiana Silva, Dulce Neutel, Lia Lucas Neto, Luísa Albuquerque
• Journal: Journal of radiology case reports (J Radiol Case Rep) Vol. 8 Issue 5 Pg. 1-8 (May 2014) ISSN: 1943-0922 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25426224 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Adult
• Brain (pathology)
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (complications, pathology, physiopathology)
• Cognition Disorders (chemically induced, etiology)
• Demyelinating Diseases (chemically induced, pathology)
• Humans
• Hyperbaric Oxygenation
• Leukoencephalopathies (chemically induced, complications, diagnosis, physiopathology)
• Male
• Mental Disorders (chemically induced, etiology)
• Neuroimaging
• Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome