Autopsy and Case Reports
https://www.autopsyandcasereports.org/article/doi/10.4322/acr.2023.465
Autopsy and Case Reports
Autopsy Case Report

Spongiform leukoencephalopathy unveiled in an autopsy of a drug abuser

Hemlata Jangir; Govinda Balmuchu; Jhansi Lakshmi Mylapalli; Arulselvi Subramanian; Sanjeev Lalwani

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Abstract

Toxic leukoencephalopathy (TLE) is a rare neurological debilitating and fatal condition. It has been previously associated with exposure to leukotoxic offenders such as chemotherapy, cranial radiation, certain drugs, and environmental factors. Currently, it is a commoner white matter syndrome resulting from increased substance abuse, classically by inhaled heroin and other opioids. Herein, we report a case of fatal TLE unveiled in an autopsy of a drug abuser. A 24-year-old male was found dead on the roadside. A day before, he was located in a state of delirium. In this case, the autopsy findings and histopathology characteristics of cerebral cortex involvement particularly directed to speculate the heroine as the principal offender.

Keywords

Forensic Toxicology, Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal, Psychoses, Substance-Induced

References

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Submitted date:
10/23/2023

Accepted date:
11/30/2023

Publication date:
01/08/2024

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