Abstract
Diagnostic imaging is a valuable device in clinical management of poisoned patients presenting to emergency units in a comatose state. Some toxic agents have adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) of the brain, as an available diagnostic method with a high resolution, can provide useful information about structural disturbances of unconscious patients with suspected drug or chemical intoxication. The authors would describe various presentations of toxic substances detected on the brain CT scans of ten patients with acute intoxication. While non-specific, CT findings of low-attenuation lesions in the basal ganglia, infarctions in young patients, or diffuse edema should raise suspicion for poisoning or overdose.
Highlights
Poisoning refers to the development of dose-related adverse effects following exposure to chemicals, drugs or other xenobiotics [1]
Other patients present in comatose state or with symptoms not recognized clearly as being related to a toxic substance
A 20-year-old male was brought to the emergency unit in comatose state after methamphetamine abuse
Summary
Poisoning refers to the development of dose-related adverse effects following exposure to chemicals, drugs or other xenobiotics [1]. A 19-year-old man with no significant past medical history was presented in a comatose state nearly two hours after ingestion of 1200 mg of propranolol in a suicidal attempt. He underwent brain CT scan which revealed bilateral basal ganglia hypodensities and cytotoxic edema with pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage sign Bilateral basal ganglia hypodensities and cytotoxic edema with pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage sign in propranolol intoxication.
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