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Acute myopathy associated with gasoline sniffing
Neurology
|May 1, 1983
Summary
Gasoline sniffing can cause acute myopathy and myoglobinuria, indicated by high creatine kinase (CK) levels. This rare complication, potentially linked to lead exposure, resolved within days without central nervous system effects.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neurology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Gasoline sniffing is an illicit practice with known health risks.
- Acute myopathy and myoglobinuria are serious conditions affecting muscle tissue and the kidneys.
- Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme released from damaged muscle.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old male experienced recurrent episodes of acute myopathy and myoglobinuria following gasoline sniffing.
- Clinical presentation included markedly elevated CK activity.
- No central nervous system (CNS) involvement was observed, and symptoms resolved spontaneously within days.
Findings:
- Elevated blood and urine lead levels, exceeding occupational exposure limits, were detected.
- The specific gasoline component responsible for the myopathy remains unidentified.
- Acute myoglobinuria is identified as a rare complication of gasoline sniffing.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but severe toxic effect of gasoline sniffing.
- The findings suggest a potential link between lead exposure from gasoline and myotoxicity.
- Further research is needed to identify the causative agent in gasoline and understand the mechanism of myopathy.