Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Isolation of Brain-infiltrating Leukocytes
Published on: June 13, 2011
Toxic leukoencephalopathies
1Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 545 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. laumjone@iupui.edu
Abstract:
Leukoencephalopathy is a syndrome of neurologic deficits, including alteration of mental status, caused by pathologic changes in the cerebral white matter. The term, toxic leukoencephalopathy, encompasses a wide variety of exposures and clinical presentations. The diagnosis in these syndromes is made by careful attention to the history, clinical features, and radiologic findings. This article details three of the best-defined toxic leukoencephalopathies: delayed posthypoxic leukoencephalopathy, including delayed neurologic sequelae after carbon monoxide poisoning; heroin inhalation leukoencephalopathy; and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Disorders of Leukocytes
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune system...
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Cytotoxic Edema: Pathophysiology

