MR imaging of "spray heads": toluene abuse via aerosol paint inhalation

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1993 Sep-Oct;14(5):1195-9.

Abstract

Purpose: Three male patients with a history of spray-paint inhalation are presented.

Methods: Spin-echo MR was used to evaluate the central nervous system changes secondary to toluene inhalation delivered via spray-paint fumes.

Results: The remarkable findings included the loss of cerebral and cerebellar gray-white matter discrimination, scattered multifocal deep white matter lesions, and gross generalized atrophy of the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the corpus callosum.

Conclusion: Although the observed changes are nonspecific, combined with a positive history the diagnosis of inhalation toluene abuse can be made on the basis of consistent MR findings.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aerosols
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Paint*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / pathology*
  • Toluene*

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Toluene