TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2024//
TI  - The dangers of "chasing the dragon": a fatal case of heroin-induced leukoencephalopathy
JO  - BJR case reports
A1  - Bourekba, Iliass
A1  - Halfi, Ismail
A1  - Ech Cherif Kettani, Najwa
A1  - Fikri, Meryem
A1  - Jidane, Mohamed
A1  - Touarsa, Firdaous
SP  - uaad004
EP  - uaad004
VL  - 10
IS  - 1
N2  - Heroin-induced leukoencephalopathy (HLE) is a rare toxic encephalopathy associated primarily with heroin inhalation, commonly referred to as "chasing the dragon." This study presents a clinical case of a 27-year-old polydrug user diagnosed with HLE during hospitalization for rapidly progressive flaccid tetraplegia and aphasia. The clinical manifestations encompassed cerebellar and bulbar dysfunction, coupled with motor impairment and altered consciousness. Based on the clinical data and MRI results, HLE was identified as the most likely cause. This article aims to provide insights into the clinical and radiological aspects of HLE, emphasizing the diagnostic significance of radiological findings. The gold standard examination for diagnosis is MRI, crucial due to the difficulties in obtaining histological confirmation for this rare condition.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 2055-7159
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bjrcr/uaad004
ID  - ref1
ER  -