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Paradichlorobenzene (toxin)-induced leucoencephalopathy
1Department of Family Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. buckmanf@ecu.edu
BMJ Case Reports
|April 24, 2013
Summary
Chronic ingestion of mothballs containing paradichlorobenzene can cause toxic leucoencephalopathy. This condition affects mental status, gait, and causes skin rashes, requiring medical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
Background:
- A 40-year-old woman presented with declining mental status, anorexia, and pruritic skin rashes.
- Previous workups, including toxicology and brain imaging, were inconclusive.
Observation:
- Repeat MRI revealed diffuse periventricular and white matter disease.
- Family history uncovered chronic ingestion of mothballs and toilet cakes containing paradichlorobenzene.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with paradichlorobenzene-induced leucoencephalopathy.
- Symptoms included altered mental status, ataxic gait, cogwheel rigidity, and characteristic skin rashes.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of thorough patient history, including environmental exposures.
- Underscores the neurotoxic effects of common household chemicals.
- Suggests considering toxic leucoencephalopathy in patients with unexplained neurological and dermatological symptoms.
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