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Cerebral abnormalities in cocaine abusers: demonstration by SPECT perfusion brain scintigraphy. Work in progress.
S S Tumeh1, J S Nagel, R J English
1Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Radiology
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Cocaine use, even sporadically, can cause brain perfusion defects detectable by iodine-123 isopropyl iodoamphetamine (IMP) SPECT scans. These focal deficits often appear in the frontal and temporal lobes, even in asymptomatic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cocaine abuse is a significant public health issue with potential neurological consequences.
- Assessing cerebral perfusion in cocaine users is crucial for understanding drug-induced brain changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cerebral perfusion abnormalities in individuals with a history of cocaine use using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of these abnormalities, particularly in relation to the duration and route of cocaine administration.
Main Methods:
- 12 subjects with varying degrees of cocaine use underwent iodine-123 isopropyl iodoamphetamine (IMP) SPECT brain scans.
- Brain scans of subjects were compared to those of 5 healthy volunteers.
- Data on cocaine use patterns and concurrent drug abuse were collected.
Main Results:
- Focal perfusion defects were identified in 11 out of 12 cocaine users, with 7 being asymptomatic.
- Deficits were commonly observed in the frontal and temporal lobes, varying in severity.
- No perfusion abnormalities were detected in healthy volunteers.
Conclusions:
- Cocaine use is frequently associated with focal cerebral perfusion deficits, detectable by I-123 IMP SPECT.
- These deficits can occur even in asymptomatic individuals, highlighting the neurotoxic potential of cocaine.
- I-123 IMP SPECT is a valuable tool for visualizing drug-induced alterations in cerebral blood flow.