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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Methadone-induced toxic leukoencephalopathy: diagnosis and follow-up by magnetic resonance imaging including
Alfonso Cerase1, Sara Leonini, Matteo Bellini
1Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy. alfonsocerase@aliceposta.it
Background And Purpose:
Effects of methadone misuse have been rarely described. The purpose of this case report is to increase the knowledge of methadone-related leukoencephalopathy.
Methods:
We report the long-term follow-up by brain magnetic resonance imaging including isotropic diffusion-weighted imaging and mean apparent diffusion coefficient values of a 49-year-old patient who attempted suicide by intravenous methadone.
Results And Conclusions:
Lesion pattern included subtle cerebellar involvement, mainly reversible extensive bilateral and symmetric brain involvement, cystic degeneration in the periventricular regions, sparing of corpus callosum and subcortical U-fibers, development of diffuse brain atrophy, and clear-cut clinical improvement.
