QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Résumé Extracto Full Text PDF Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Articles Ahead of Print [Order Reprint] Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Finch, C. K Articles by Lobo, B. L Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Finch, C. K Articles by Lobo, B. L

Acute Inhalant-Induced Neurotoxicity with Delayed Recovery

Critical Care Specialist, Methodist University Hospital, Memphis, TN; Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee, Memphis

Bob L Lobo, PharmD BCPS

Internal Medicine and Neuroscience Specialist, Methodist University Hospital; Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee

Reprints: Dr. Finch, Department of Pharmacy, Methodist University Hospital, 1265 Union Ave., Memphis, TN 38104-3499, fax 901/726-8178, finchc{at}methodisthealth.org

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of neurotoxicity and subsequent hospitalization due to abuse of an ethyl chloride inhalant.

CASE SUMMARY: A 41-year-old African American male presented to the emergency department due to mental status changes and an inability to walk. After the blood alcohol and urine drug screen returned negative, a family member revealed that the patient frequently abused an inhalant containing the volatile solvent ethyl chloride.

DISCUSSION: Inhalant abuse is common and is facilitated by the widespread availability of volatile solvents that have legitimate commercial or household uses. Most inhalants are central nervous system depressants and are highly lipophilic. Maximum Impact, which contains ethyl chloride, is sold in stores and is readily available over the Internet. While the product has a legitimate use as a VCR head cleaner, it is often illicitly marketed over the Internet as a means of getting a "rush" or "high" and for enhancing sexual pleasure. Neurologic symptoms have been reported after deliberate inhalational exposure to ethyl chloride, and 2 deaths have been associated with its use. An objective causality assessment using the Naranjo probability scale revealed a probable adverse drug event.

CONCLUSIONS: Inhalants should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with acute mental status changes and neurologic impairment that resolve over less than one week.

Key Words: ethyl chloride, inhalant abuse, neurotoxicity

Published Online, December 8, 2004. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1E159