2011 · EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY

Acute leukoencephalopathy after buprenorphine intoxication in a 2-year-old child

Bellot, Blandine, Michel, Fabrice, Thomachot, Laurent, Chaumoitre, Kathia, Battaglia, Fabrice, Lagier, Pierre

Journal
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
Année
2011
Volume
15
Numéro
4
Pages
368-371
Mois
JUL
DOI
10.1016/j.ejpn.2011.03.002

Abstract

Leukoencephalopathies have been reported after heroin inhalation or ingestion, and buprenorphine injection, but the physiopathology remains unclear. We report here the first case of leukoencephalopathy caused by buprenorphine ingestion in a 2-year-old child who was admitted for coma and fever. Due to technical problems, the toxicology screen was delayed, and infectious disease was first suspected. A brain MRI found bilateral and symmetric white matter damages in the cerebral hemispheres and the cerebellum. Rapid recovery and positive toxicology screen for buprenorphine on day 4 confirmed the diagnosis of acute intoxication. (C) 2011 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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