Abstract

LE BORGNE, Pierrick et al. Cervical myelopathy secondary to recreational nitrous oxide use: an emergent pathology. Medicina (B. Aires) [online]. 2021, vol.81, n.5, pp.840-. ISSN 0025-7680.

We describe the case of a 27-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency ward with hypoesthesia and paresthesia developing over the last two months, initially in both feet and progressing to the knees in a few days without associated gait disorders. Dystonia in the thumb and index finger of both hands was noted. Blood tests including toxic drugs were negative. The spinal magnetic resonance imaging was consistent with (C3-C5) myelopathy or myelitis without other abnormalities suggestive of systemic diseases. The biochemi cal and bacteriological analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid was normal. Because of these findings, the patient was re-interviewed to determine the consumption of unusual drugs, and nitrous oxide consumption was referred. The patient was admitted for further studies, which confirmed the diagnosis.

Keywords : Nitrous oxide; Myelopathy; Vitamin B12.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )