[Leukoencephalopathy following inhalation of heroin pyrolysate]

Inhalation of pre-heated heroin ("chinese blowing") is known to cause a spongiform leukoencephalopathy with marked neurological deficits. We report on 2 patients who developed severe cerebellar symptoms several days after interruption of heroin inhalation. The MRI findings suggested myelin damage to fibre tracts in the central nervous system, which are specifically involved in this disorder. Both patients survived with severe cerebellar deficits.