'Chasing the dragon': new knowledge for an old practice

Am J Ther. 2014 Jan-Feb;21(1):52-5. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0b013e31820b8856.

Abstract

Heroin administration by "chasing the dragon," whereby the user places freebase heroin on aluminum foil, heats it below with a flame, and inhales the pyrolysate through a straw, can be associated with the rare development of a delayed-onset spongiform leukoencephalopathy. We report the case of a 46-year-old woman with a psychiatric diagnosis of depression and heroin dependence by "chasing the dragon" admitted with features of altered mental status and later development of catatonia, abulia, and akinetic mutism. A brain magnetic resonance image evidenced bilateral symmetric high-signal lesions in the white matter of the cerebrum and cerebellum on T2-weighted images compatible with toxic leukoencephalopathy. The patient's condition resolved after a hospital stay of 2 months with supportive treatment. Acute onset of neurobehavioral changes, including confusion, apathy, and cerebellar signs in a person with exposure to heroin, should prompt one to consider toxic leukoencephalopathy as a cause of presentation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytes / pathology
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain Edema / etiology
  • Brain Edema / pathology
  • Female
  • Heroin / administration & dosage*
  • Heroin Dependence / complications*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Narcotics / administration & dosage*
  • Oligodendroglia / pathology
  • Prion Diseases / pathology*

Substances

  • Narcotics
  • Heroin