Abstract:

Objective To observe clinical manifestations, characteristics of CT and MRI imaging of characteristics and investigate diagnostic the principles of heroin spongiform leukoencephalopathy (HSLA) and to recommend therapeutic strategies.Methods Clinical and imaging data of one case with HSLA were reviewed references nation wide.Results This case had a history of inhaling heated heroin through nose for 10 years and had intermittent drug abstinence 4 times. The pathological process is chronic with graduall deterioration and the main clinical manifestations were memory declining, clumsy, cerebellum ataxia as well as decreased deep sensation of both legs. Symmetric long T1 and long T2 were detected on MRI across cerebellum, post branch of internal capsule, around both lateral ventrical, and subcortical white matter as well as midbrain. Clinical symptoms had improved with the treatment of hyperbaric oxygen, Naloxone,Ginkgo biloba, Citicoline, ATP, multiple vitamins.Conclusion Inhaling heated heroin via nose and abstinence of drug are main causes of HSLE. Thus, we suggest neuroprotective treatment before abstinence of drug should be strengthened in order to lower incidence or alleviate clinical symptoms of HSLA closely related to drug abstinence.

Key words: heroin, spongiform leukoencephalopathy