PET Image of Spongiform Leukoencephalopathy From Heroin Vapor Inhalation
- VernacularTitle:海洛因海绵状白质脑病的PET影像表现
- Author:
Quanshi WANG
;
Hubing WU
;
Haitao HU
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
heroin;
spongiform degneration;
leukoencephalopathy;
tomography,emission-computed,positron;
deoxyglucose
- From:
Journal of Practical Radiology
2001;0(05):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To clarify PET image characteristic of spongiform leukoencephalopathy from heroin vapor inhalation and evaluate PET in the dignosis of the disease. Methods 18 F-FDG PET was performed in six patients with spongiform leukoencephalopathy from heroin vapor inhalation. They developed progressive cerebellar ataxia ,dysarthria and unresponsive in different degree respectively.They were a known drug abuser and had a history of heroin use for 1～3 years.Abstinence of heroin was performed from 1.5 to 3 months in the 2 patients .It was known that they took their heroin not by injection but by inhalation of heated heroin vapours,a method known as "chasing the dragon".Brain CT and MRI revealed some characteristics in all patients. Needle biopsy (n=2) was performed and pathological examination proved spongiform degeneration in the white matter. 13 N-ammonia PET was performed in 1 of 6 patients after 24 hours.Results Brain 18 F-FDG PET revealed bilateral and symmetrical 18 F-FDG accumulation decrease or defect areas invoving the internal capsule behind limb ,cerebral occipital lobes ,and cerebellar hemispheres(cerebellar white matter was severely involved).Brain 13 N-ammonia PET imaging demonstrated abnormal areas of decreased accumulation in the bilateral frontal lobes, bilateral temporal lobes , bilateral occipital lobes, bilateral cerebellar cortex and no 13 N-ammonia accumulation in the bilateral internal capsule behind limb and cerebellar white matter in 1 of 6 patients. The region of the lesion was larger than 18 F-FDG PET imaging in the same patient. Conclusion Spongiform leukoencephalopathy from heroin vapor inhalation has some characteristics on PET ,which are helpful for the diagnosis when combined addictive history.
