Memory Impairment and Hippocampal Volume after Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2021 Jan 15;36(1):145-148. doi: 10.1093/arclin/acaa050.

Abstract

Objective: We report longitudinal changes in neuroimaging and neuropsychological measurements in a case of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning showing reversible changes in hippocampal volume, which was closely linked to the degree of memory impairment.

Methods: The current study presents a female in her early 20s, with a high school level of education. She became aware of headaches and drowsiness while working in a restaurant that operated charcoal braziers, and she was urgently transported to our hospital. Her high blood carboxyhemoglobin concentration led to a diagnosis of CO poisoning, but no obvious abnormalities were found by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and physical examinations. She underwent a series of hyperbaric oxygen therapies. One year after CO poisoning, she consulted a psychiatrist due to her own awareness of gradually worsening memory function. She was assessed by brain MRI and standard neuropsychological tests every 6 months for 1 year.

Results: Her neuropsychological profile showed the impairment of memory function according to a low score of Delayed Recall Index of Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised. At 320 days after CO poisoning, her hippocampal volume had decreased by 3%. Her memory function was found to have improved at 530 days after CO poisoning. Of note, during this period, her hippocampal volume had increased by approximately 7%.

Conclusions: This report suggests that a clinician should conduct careful neuropsychological examinations to avoid overlooking mild sequelae of CO poisoning, even if a general assessment of brain MRI is normal.

Keywords: Carbon monoxide poisoning; Hippocampus; MRI; Magnetic resonance imaging; Memory impairment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning* / complications
  • Female
  • Hippocampus
  • Humans
  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation*
  • Memory Disorders / etiology
  • Memory Disorders / therapy
  • Neuropsychological Tests