Serum copper decrease and cerebellar atrophy in patients with nitrous oxide-induced subacute combined degeneration: two cases report

BMC Neurology

Jie Cao¹  Zhijun Li¹  Lusen Ran¹  Chenchen Liu¹ 

[1] Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China;

关键词: Nitrous oxide;    Subacute combined degeneration;    Serum copper;    Cerebellar atrophy;    Cognitive decline;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12883-021-02496-y

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundSubacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a neurological complication commonly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. It can result from nitrous oxide (N2O) abuse and cause neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, there has been no literature regarding alterations of serum copper and cerebellum in SCD patients.Case presentationWe reported two cases of young SCD patients with histories of N2O abuse. In these cases, elevated homocysteine, macrocytic anemia, spinal cord abnormalities, and peripheral nerve injuries were detected. In addition, decreased serum copper level and cerebellar atrophy were reported for the first time. The patients’ symptoms improved after withdrawal of N2O exposure and vitamin B12 supplements.ConclusionWe reported two SCD cases with serum copper alteration and cerebellar atrophy after N2O abuse for the first time. These might be crucial complements to the diagnosis of SCD.

【 授权许可】

CC BY