Brain and body disconnect: A retrospective case series of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord from chronic nitrous oxide use in Perth, Western Australia.

BACKGROUND: Chronic nitrous oxide (N2O) use causes inactivation of vitamin B12, resulting in neurological and psychiatric symptoms. This case series presents all N2O-related presentations to the emergency department at Royal Perth Hospital between June 2019 and June 2021, alongside the costs of these admissions. CASE PRESENTATION: Twenty-two patients were identified; 68% (n = 15) were male. The median age was 22.4 years (interquartile range [IQR], 20-30). Median daily number of N2O bulbs inhaled was 150 (IQR, 64-300) with a median duration of use of 9 months (IQR, 3-12). Presentations included ataxia, paraesthesia and falls (n = 18), urinary retention (n = 3) and psychotic symptoms (n = 2). Fourteen patients had severe symptoms prompting a magnetic resonance imaging of brain and spine, confirming 12 cases of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. All patients had IMI vitamin B12 therapy, while 14 had oral methionine therapy. The median length of admission was 4 days (IQR 1-23 days). The median cost of admission per day for patients where costs were accessible (n = 7) was $2061 (IQR, $1903-$2860). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: A case series of symptomatic chronic N2O use with severe neurological sequelae and significant costs associated per admission. Triangulation of emergency department and Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System data helped prompt a swift public health response, including mandatory warning labels, limits to transaction amounts and legislative changes to the Medicines and Poisons Act to make it illegal for sale if there is a suspicion that it will be abused.

Nitrous oxide induced subacute combined degeneration of the spine cord: A case report.

RATIONALE: In recent years, recreational use of inhaled nitrous oxide (N2O) is on the increase among young people, accompanied by a corresponding rise in reports about its toxicity. Subacute combined degeneration of the spine cord (SCD) is the typical clinical picture of the nervous system disorder caused by N2O intoxication, as a result of metabolic disturbance of vitamin B12. PATIENT CONCERNS, DIAGNOSES, INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: We report a 28-year-old female of SCD due to prolonged use of N2O, presented with paresthesia and unsteady in walking progressing within 1 month. Symptoms gradually improved with the treatment of intramuscular injections of hydroxocobalamin combined with N2O abstinence, and the patient recovered completely with normal neurological examination after 4 months of follow-up. LESSONS: Clinicians should be aware of the clinical features and pathogenesis of SCD caused by N2O intoxication in order to lead effective treatment as soon as possible. Recreational N2O use should always be considered as an etiology when dealing with patients presented with myelopathy and/or neuropathy suspected of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Cord Induced by Nitrous Oxide Abuse: A Rare Patient Presentation to a Spine Surgery Clinic: Illustrative Case.

Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord is a disease involving the lateral and posterior columns of the spinal cord that can manifest in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. Nitrous oxide (N2O)-induced SCD of the spinal cord is a result of N2O interfering with the metabolism of vitamin B12 and results in nervous system demyelination. This is an infrequent complication of N2O anesthesia; however, cases are rising with recreational N2O use. This case report describes a patient with SCD of the spinal cord induced by recreational N2O abuse. The patient presented to a spine surgery clinic with a 3-week history of progressive global weakness and paresthesias. After a detailed history and physical examination, the diagnosis was made and supported by various tests and imaging findings. Despite marked neurologic deficits, the patient's symptoms improved markedly with therapy and vitamin B12 supplementation. Spine surgery clinicians may be confronted with these cases and should be aware of this atypical presentation of SCD. As in our case, patients may present with neurologic deficits of unclear etiology. Neurologic dysfunction may be irreversible; therefore, accurate diagnosis, medical treatment, and complete neurologic evaluation are of the utmost importance to prevent additional progression.

Nitrous-oxide-induced polyneuropathy and subacute combined degeneration of the spine: clinical and diagnostic characteristics in 70 patients, with focus on electrodiagnostic studies.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nitrous oxide (N2 O) induced neurological symptoms are increasingly encountered. Our aim is to provide clinical and diagnostic characteristics with a focus on electrodiagnostic studies. METHODS: Patients with neurological sequelae due to N2 O presenting in our hospital between November 2018 and December 2021 reporting clinical and diagnostic data were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy patients (median 22 years) were included. Median N2 O usage was 4 kg/week during 12 months. Patients' history revealed a higher rate of sensory symptoms compared to motor (97% vs. 57%) and 77% walking difficulties. Clinical diagnosis was polyneuropathy (PNP) in 44%, subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spine in 19%, both in 37%. Median vitamin B12 level was low (159 pmol/L), normal in 16%. The median methylmalonic acid was increased (2.66 µmol/L). Electrodiagnostic abnormalities were observed in 91%, with 72% fulfilling axonal PNP criteria, 20% showing mild to intermediate slowing. One patient fulfilled demyelinating PNP criteria not related to N2 O abuse (Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1a). More prominent motor nerve conduction abnormalities were found; lower limbs were more affected. In 64% with normal conduction, myography showed signs of axonal loss. Magnetic resonance imaging showed cervical myelopathy in 58% involving generally five to six segments. CONCLUSIONS: Nitrous oxide (N2 O) leads to neurological symptoms by causing PNP and/or SCD primarily involving the legs. Distinguishing PNP and SCD clinically was shown to be insufficient. Electrodiagnostic studies showed axonal PNP. Demyelinating PNP due to N2 O abuse was not present in our cohort. Therefore, further diagnostic work-up is warranted if demyelinating features are present.

Magnetic resonance imaging in a patient with nitrous oxide-induced subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic nitrous oxide use can lead to neurological findings that are clinically and radiographically identical to those found in patients with pernicious anemia, specifically subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord and peripheral neuropathy. CASE SUMMARY: A 22-year-old man presented with lower extremity weakness and ataxia in the setting of inhaling 250 nitrous oxide cartridges two to three times weekly for two years. IMAGES: Magnetic resonance imaging showed T2 hyperenhancement of the dorsal columns of the cervical spine from the first to the sixth vertebrae, which helped to establish a diagnosis of nitrous oxide-induced subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic nitrous oxide use should be included in the differential diagnosis of any patient with otherwise unexplained neurological complaints that localize to the dorsal columns and has the changes on magnetic resonance imaging described here.

Nitrous oxide-induced subacute combined degeneration of the cord: diagnosis and treatment.

Recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) has increased rapidly in recent years and is now the second most commonly used recreational drug among young people in the UK. There has been a corresponding rise in cases of nitrous oxide-induced subacute combined degeneration of the cord (N2O-SACD), a pattern of myeloneuropathy usually associated with severe vitamin B12 deficiency. This can cause serious and permanent disability in young people but, if recognised early, may be effectively treated. All neurologists should be aware of N2O-SACD and its treatment; however, there are currently no agreed guidelines. Based on our experience in East London, an area of high N2O use, we provide practical advice on its recognition, investigation and treatment.

An unusual case of subacute combined degeneration due to nitrous oxide abuse, which relapsed after bariatric surgery: A case report.

RATIONALE: Several studies have reported subacute combined degeneration (SCD) induced by nitrous oxide (N2O) abuse. However, few studies have reported that N2O-induced SCD recurred because of sleeve gastrectomy after neurological symptoms improved. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report the case of an 18-year-old woman who developed paresthesia, weakness in 4 limbs, and an unstable gait after frequent, excessive N2O inhalation. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed as having SCD. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: Nineteen days after intravenous mecobalamin and supplementation with other kinds of vitamin B, her weakness and paresthesia resolved. However, 7 months after discharge, the patient experienced recurrence following sleeve gastrectomy. Blood biochemistry revealed low vitamin B12 levels. After a 22-day treatment, similar to the first hospitalization, her residual numbness and unsteady gait improved. LESSONS: This case highlights that patients, especially those at high risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, undergoing sleeve gastrectomy require careful nutritional follow-up and routine monitoring of micronutrients such as vitamin B12 and homocysteine. Continuous vigilance is essential for patients with common and rare neurological complications.

Nitrous oxide abuse induced subacute combined degeneration despite patient initiated B12 supplementation.

INTRODUCTION: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a commonly used inhaled anesthetic that is legal to purchase as a food additive and is popular as a recreational euphoric drug. Abuse causes a functional B12 deficiency, leading to clinical features and imaging consistent with subacute combined spinal cord degeneration (SCD). CASES: Poison Center medical records from four patients are reviewed in this series. Four patients presented with lower extremity weakness, paresthesias and gait abnormalities in the setting of chronic N2O abuse. Each reported using 50-150 N2O cartridges ("whippets") almost daily for months to years, and reported supplementing with oral B12 at the recommendation of other users and online forums. None reported prior B12 deficiency or dietary restrictions, and none exhibited hematologic abnormalities. RESULTS: All patients had clinical signs of neurotoxicity including weakness and ataxia. Additionally, all had elevated methylmalonic acid and homocysteine concentrations with normal B12 indicating a functional B12 deficiency. Three had imaging consistent with SCD despite home supplementation The MRI in the fourth case was inconclusive due to movement artifact. CONCLUSION: We report four cases of subacute combined degeneration induced by recreational nitrous oxide abuse despite self-administered vitamin B12 supplementation.

Myelopathy associated with intrathecal methotrexate.

A 21-year-old man developed progressive and bilateral lower limb numbness, gait impairment and urinary incontinence over 10 days. He had received intrathecal methotrexate 20 days previously for acute lymphoblastic B-cell leukaemia, following 7 months of systemic chemotherapy. MR scan of the spinal cord showed bilateral symmetric and extensive T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) increased signal involving the dorsal columns in the thoracic cord. His serum folate concentration was at the lower end of the normal range. We stopped the intrathecal chemotherapy and gave folate; after a few days, he progressively improved. Myelopathy is an important adverse effect of intrathecal methotrexate, which may cause clinical and imaging features resembling subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. CNS infiltration must be excluded, intrathecal chemotherapy stopped and deficiency of folate or vitamin B12 treated as appropriate.

Serum copper decrease and cerebellar atrophy in patients with nitrous oxide-induced subacute combined degeneration: two cases report.

BACKGROUND: Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a neurological complication commonly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. It can result from nitrous oxide (N2O) abuse and cause neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, there has been no literature regarding alterations of serum copper and cerebellum in SCD patients. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported two cases of young SCD patients with histories of N2O abuse. In these cases, elevated homocysteine, macrocytic anemia, spinal cord abnormalities, and peripheral nerve injuries were detected. In addition, decreased serum copper level and cerebellar atrophy were reported for the first time. The patients' symptoms improved after withdrawal of N2O exposure and vitamin B12 supplements. CONCLUSION: We reported two SCD cases with serum copper alteration and cerebellar atrophy after N2O abuse for the first time. These might be crucial complements to the diagnosis of SCD.

[A case of subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord caused by inhaling laughing gas].

Laughing gas (Nitrogen monoxide) is currently abused due to its low price and easy availability. This article discussed the clinical manifestations of a patient with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord caused by inhalation of laughing gas. The patient developed numbness of extremities, unstable walking, and decreased serum vitamin B(12) level. MRI of the cervical spine showed abnormal signals in the lateral and posterior cords of the cervical spinal cord (C2-6) , neuroelectrophysiological examination showed peripheral nerve damage in the extremities. After treatment with vitamin B(12) supplementation, the patient's condition gradually improved. Clinicians diagnose subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, especially when the patient has no gastrointestinal disease, diet, malnutrition, etc., they need to carefully inquire about the history of nitrous oxide inhalation to avoid missed diagnosis.

Clinical epidemiological characteristics of nitrous oxide abusers: A single-center experience in a hospital in China.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the clinical epidemiological characteristics of nitrous oxide (N2 O) abusers in a hospital in China, which have not been systematically reported. METHODS: The characteristics of patients abusing N2 O who were examined and treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2017 to December 2020 were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients (average age: 21.7 ± 3.2 years; 42 male and 19 female) were enrolled; 60.7% of the patients had an education level of high school or lower, and most (59.0%) had no stable occupation. The mean exposure time was 8.5 ± 7.7 months (range: 1-36 months). Only 52.5% of the abusers reported the physician of the relevant exposure history at the first time of visiting the doctor. The main clinical type was mixed (49.2%). The most common clinical manifestation was distal limb numbness (80.3%). The most frequent outcome was peripheral neuropathy (59%) and subacute combined degeneration (36%). Serum homocysteine level was elevated in 67.5% (27/40) of the patients, while 44.4% (20/45) showed reduced vitamin B12. Note that 61% (22/36) showed abnormal signals in the posterior or lateral funiculus of the spinal cord, and 97% (31/32) of the patients showed peripheral nerve damage by electromyography. In all cases, symptoms were alleviated after halting N2 O intake and receiving nutritional neurotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: N2 O abuse can lead to nervous system damage, especially peripheral nerve and spinal cord damage. A full understanding of its clinical epidemiological characteristics is helpful for clinicians to make a timely and clear diagnosis.

Subacute combined degeneration induced by nitrous oxide inhalation: Two case reports.

RATIONALE: Nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as "laughing gas," is being increasingly abused by young people as a recreational drug; this can subsequently result in myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy, however, in China, few cases of neurologic deterioration by N2O abuse have been reported. PATIENT CONCERNS: Herein, we present 2 patients who developed progressive limb weakness, numbness, and ataxia. Both of them had recreationally inhaled N2O intermittently for a long time. DIAGNOSIS: Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) based on myelopathy and polyneuropathy after N2O abuse. INTERVENTIONS: The 2 patients were treated with cessation of N2O inhalation, methylcobalamin capsule 500 µg tid (ter in die, which means 3 times a day), and compound vitamin B 1 tablet tid p.o.(per os, which means taken orally) for 1 month. OUTCOMES: The symptoms of altered sensation and the patients' gait improved significantly. LESSONS: The 2 cases raise awareness of the important mechanisms of N2O neurotoxicity, and clinicians should be made fully aware of such substance-related diseases. The incidence of N2O -induced neurotoxicity is insufficiently recognized and should be considered as an important cause of SCD, especially in adolescents with undifferentiated weakness and abnormal sensation; this is essential because serious complications such as irreversible paralysis can result from the absence of early diagnosis and treatment.

Lessons of the month: Nitrous oxide-induced functional vitamin B12 deficiency causing subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.

We discuss the case of a 22-year-old man who presented with paraesthesia, reduced sensation and weakness in his limbs. Examination was in keeping with a myeloneuropathy. Initial investigations including vitamin B12 were unremarkable but magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord showed subacute combined degeneration. The patient reported heavy recreational use of nitrous oxide, which can cause functional deficiency of vitamin B12 with neurological sequelae. A diagnosis of functional vitamin B12 deficiency was made and confirmed by an elevated methylmalonic acid level. The patient received intramuscular hydroxocobalamin and made a good recovery following rehabilitation. Nitrous oxide use is prevalent and can have significant health effects. Many adverse effects are mediated through inactivation of vitamin B12 and can be detected by elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels. Early identification and prompt treatment are important to support neurological recovery.