Severe bilateral cerebellar edema from ingestion of ketamine: case report

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Nicolas Villelli1, Natalie Hauser1, Thomas Gianaris1

  • 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine; and.

Journal of Neurosurgery. Pediatrics
|August 16, 2017
PubMed

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.

Keywords:
EVD = external ventricular drainPEG = percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomycerebellaredemaketaminepediatric neurosurgery

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