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Published on: February 10, 2020
Acute leukoencephalopathy after buprenorphine intoxication in a 2-year-old child
Blandine Bellot1, Fabrice Michel, Laurent Thomachot
1Unité de Réanimation Pédiatrique et Néonatale et Brûlés Pédiatriques, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Nord, Chemin des Bourrely, 13915 Marseille, Cedex 20, France.
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.
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