OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical features, cranial MRI and treatment of toxic encephalopathy induced by 1, 2-dichloroethane (1, 2-DCE).

METHODSThe clinical, MRI features and treatment of 5 patients with toxic encephalopathy induced by 1,2-DCE were observed and analyzed.

RESULTSFive patients all presented with subacute onset with a history of direct exposure to 1,2-DCE. Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressures were all increased in 5 patients. All 5 patients had obvious intracranial hypertension. Liver and kidney function had no obvious abnormalities; Cranial MRI showed T1WI low signal and T2WI high signal in bilateral hemispheric white matter, cerebellar dentate nucleus and globus pallidus. After the treatment of dehydrating agent, glucocorticoid and supportive treatment, four patients were clearly improved, and one patient had cerebral hernia formation.

CONCLUSIONThe main neurological clinical features in patients with 1,2-DEC poisoning is obvious intracranial hypertension. The prognosis is usually good with early and long term use of glucocorticoids and dehydrating agent in poisoning patients.