Inhaled Solvent Abuse Mimicking Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy

Exposure to n-hexane or toluene-containing solvents such as glue or gasoline can produce clinical symptoms and neurophysiological findings that can mimic chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. The authors present a case of a boy with severe sensorimotor polyneuropathy with demyelinating...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Salini Thulasirajah MB BCH, BAO, Jean Michaud MD, Asif Doja MD, Hugh J. McMillan MD, MSc
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2020-06-01
Series:Child Neurology Open
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/2329048X20934914
Description
Summary:Exposure to n-hexane or toluene-containing solvents such as glue or gasoline can produce clinical symptoms and neurophysiological findings that can mimic chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. The authors present a case of a boy with severe sensorimotor polyneuropathy with demyelinating features. Cerebrospinal fluid testing and magnetic resonance imaging spine did not show findings typical of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. His lack of response to immunosuppressive therapy prompted a nerve biopsy which was instrumental in confirming a diagnosis of chronic organic solvent exposure, subsequently confirmed on history. This case highlights the importance of additional testing to ensure diagnostic certainty which allows appropriate treatment and/or disease management to be tailored appropriately including in this instance, the involvement of mental health counseling and avoidance of immunosuppressant medication.
ISSN:2329-048X