Transverse myelopathy as an illustration of the neurologic and neuropathologic features of heroin addiction

Abstract

Neuropathology and clinical findings in heroin addicts are reviewed with particular reference to the syndrome of transverse myelopathy. Changes are described in the brain, spinal cord, dorsal, root ganglia, peripheral nerves, and skeletal muscle. The case of myelopathy described in detail shows many of these characteristic findings. Although the causation of the lesions is discussed, the exact pathophysiologic mechanisms remain to be elucidated.