Neuroimaging Patterns of Recreational Drug Use in the Emergency Setting.

Area of Science:

• Neuroradiology
• Public Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Recreational substance use is a significant global health issue.
• Neuroimaging is frequently utilized in emergency departments for patients with substance use disorders.
• Diverse central nervous system (CNS) imaging findings are associated with various recreational drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the spectrum of neuroimaging findings associated with recreational substance use.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing these findings for patient management and prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of neuroimaging findings in the context of recreational substance use.
• Categorization of findings into cerebrovascular, toxic-metabolic, and infectious entities.

Main Results:

• Cerebrovascular complications include abnormalities affecting intracranial perfusion.
• Toxic-metabolic entities encompass alcohol-related issues, opioid toxidromes, and leukoencephalopathies.
• Infectious complications are primarily linked to intravenous drug use, including bacterial and HIV-related diseases.

Conclusions:

• Familiarity with diverse neuroimaging findings in recreational drug users is essential for radiologists.
• Timely identification and communication of these findings are critical for effective treatment and prognostication.