Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
Published on: September 8, 2021
The outcome of the movement disorder in methcathinone abusers: clinical, MRI and manganesemia changes, and
1Laboratory for Research in Rehabilitation, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia.
Background And Purpose:
There is limited knowledge regarding the long-term outcome of the methcathinone/manganese-induced movement disorder. Our purpose was to define prognosis in intravenous methcathinone abusers affected by this distinctive disorder attributed to manganese (Mn) toxicity. Also, neuropathology from a globus pallidus region biopsy from a former user is reported.
Methods:
Eighteen methcathinone abusers were categorized as active (five), discontinued (four) or former (nine) users. They were reassessed after a median of 32.5 months (range 3.4-59.6) clinically, on rating scales, and with MRI and blood Mn levels. The biopsy was examined ultrastructurally.
Results:
Overall the group showed a slight tendency to deterioration at follow-up on clinical assessment of motor functioning, especially the active users. No significant change occurred on parkinsonian rating scale reassessment. Significant reduction in Mn levels occurred in former users, and decreased T1-weighted hyperintensity on basal ganglia MRI occurred in 3 of 4 former and 2 of 3 discontinued users, despite lack of clinical improvement. The biopsy consisted of white matter showing decompacted myelin sheaths and frequent abnormalities of mitochondria.
Conclusions:
No improvement in this Mn-induced movement disorder occurs after cessation of methcathinone abuse despite improvement of Mn blood levels and/or MRI abnormalities. Ultrastructural abnormalities in a former user confirm structural damage to white matter is associated with the disorder. Methcathinone/Mn toxicity is an important, disabling and permanent medical sequel of intravenous drug abuse in the former Soviet Union.
Insights
Methcathinone and manganese (Mn) toxicity causes a permanent movement disorder. Stopping drug use may improve Mn levels and MRI scans, but does not reverse the disabling neurological damage.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Neurology
Background:
- Limited understanding of long-term outcomes for methcathinone/manganese-induced movement disorders.
- Distinctive movement disorder linked to manganese (Mn) toxicity in intravenous methcathinone abusers.
Purpose of the Study:
- Define the prognosis of this Mn-induced movement disorder.
- Report neuropathology findings from a globus pallidus biopsy in a former user.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up assessment of 18 methcathinone abusers (active, discontinued, former users).
- Clinical evaluation, rating scales, MRI, and blood Mn levels reassessed over a median of 32.5 months.
- Ultrastructural examination of a globus pallidus biopsy.
Main Results:
- Overall slight motor function deterioration, particularly in active users; no significant change on parkinsonian scales.
- Reduced blood Mn levels and decreased basal ganglia MRI hyperintensity in former/discontinued users, without clinical improvement.
- Biopsy revealed white matter decompaction and mitochondrial abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Cessation of methcathinone abuse does not improve the movement disorder, despite biochemical and imaging improvements.
- Ultrastructural findings confirm permanent white matter damage.
- Methcathinone/Mn toxicity is a significant, disabling, and permanent consequence of intravenous drug abuse.
More Related Videos
09:16A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
13:56The Use of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy as a Tool for the Measurement of Bi-hemispheric Transcranial Electric Stimulation Effects on Primary Motor Cortex Metabolism
Published on: November 19, 2014