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Published in: Neurocritical Care 3/2016

01-06-2016 | Practical Pearl

Devastating Delayed Leukoencephalopathy Associated with Bath Salt Inhalation

Authors: C. L. Kramer, D. R. Wetzel, E. F. M. Wijdicks

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 3/2016

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Abstract

Background

“Bath salts” or synthetic cathinone toxicity remains a potentially deadly clinical condition. We report a delayed leukoencephalopathy with persistent minimally conscious state.

Methods

Case report.

Results

A 36-year-old man presents with delayed encephalopathy, dysautonomia, fulminant hepatic failure, and renal failure from severe rhabdomyolysis after consuming bath salts. MRI showed diffusion restriction in the splenium of the corpus callosum and subcortical white matter.

Conclusions

The combination of acute leukoencephalopathy, rhabdomyolysis and fulminant hepatic failure may point to bath salt inhalation and should be known to neurointensivists.
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Metadata
Title
Devastating Delayed Leukoencephalopathy Associated with Bath Salt Inhalation
Authors
C. L. Kramer
D. R. Wetzel
E. F. M. Wijdicks
Publication date
01-06-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Neurocritical Care / Issue 3/2016
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-015-0226-6

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