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Severe bilateral cerebellar edema from ingestion of ketamine: case report
Nicolas Villelli1, Natalie Hauser1, Thomas Gianaris1
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine; and.
Insights
Accidental ketamine ingestion in an infant caused severe brain swelling requiring surgery. Unique imaging findings suggest a specific drug effect, not typical anoxic injury, in this rare pediatric case.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Toxicology
- Neuroradiology
Background:
- Ketamine abuse is rising, increasing overdose risks.
- Pediatric ketamine exposure is a serious concern.
Observation:
- A 10-month-old infant ingested ketamine, leading to severe cerebellar swelling.
- Emergency surgery was required to manage the swelling.
Findings:
- Brain imaging revealed characteristics distinct from anoxic injury.
- These unique radiographic findings suggest a direct ketamine-induced effect.
Implications:
- This case highlights a specific neuroimaging pattern associated with ketamine toxicity in infants.
- Further research is needed to understand ketamine's neurotoxic mechanisms in children.
Abstract:
The use of ketamine as a drug of abuse has increased and so too has the risk of accidental overdose. Here, the authors report the case of a 10-month-old infant who inadvertently ingested ketamine. The child demonstrated severe cerebellar swelling that required emergency surgical intervention. The authors describe the clinical course of this child and present the radiographic characteristics of the brain. The imaging characteristics were not consistent with purely anoxic injury, thus suggesting a specific effect of this drug. To the authors' knowledge, similar imaging characteristics in this context have not been described.
