Background:
Delayed leukoencephalopathy (DL) is a rare entity associated with cerebral hypoxia and heroin consumption. We describe the clinical course of three cases of DL due to non-heroin drug use.
Material and methods:
We describe the cases of three DL patients admitted to our hospital in 2012.
Discussion:
These cases contribute to the aetiological spectrum of DL since multifactorial causes could account for the clinical symptoms.
Learning points:
Substances toxic to the CNS can damage the CNS directly (direct toxicity) or by depressing the respiratory centre (cerebral hypoxia).As clinical manifestations can appear after a time lag, we recommend a period of initial monitoring.Histological and radiological findings can contribute to better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and causes involved.