Mothball Mayhem: Relapsing Toxic Leukoencephalopathy due to p-Dichlorobenzene Neurotoxicity
Authors: Neeraj Kumar
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2009)

Letters3 March 2009Mothball Mayhem: Relapsing Toxic Leukoencephalopathy due to p-Dichlorobenzene NeurotoxicityNeeraj Kumar, MD, Lowell C. Dale, MD, and Eelco F.M. Wijdicks, MDNeeraj Kumar, MDFrom Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905., Lowell C. Dale, MDFrom Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905., and Eelco F.M. Wijdicks, MDFrom Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.Author, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-150-5-200903030-00025 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail Background: Aromatic hydrocarbons (such as toluene, n-hexane, and methyl butyl ketone) are volatile, lipid-soluble compounds found in various household and commercial products, such as aerosols, cleaning fluids, paints, and fuels. These substances are not identified as recreational drugs, but they are readily available and are commonly abused by sniffing (nasal inhalation) or huffing (oral inhalation). Symptoms due to inhalant abuse are similar to those resulting from central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol.Because of its much lesser toxicity, p-dichlorobenzene (PDB) has replaced naphthalene as the primary component of mothballs. Both compounds have abuse potential. Inhalation and dermal absorptions are ...References1. Weintraub E, Gandhi D, Robinson C. Medical complications due to mothball abuse. South Med J. 2000;93:427-9. [PMID: 10798515] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. Feuillet L, Mallet S, Spadari M. Twin girls with neurocutaneous symptoms caused by mothball intoxication [Letter]. N Engl J Med. 2006;355:423-4. [PMID: 16870927] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. Cheong R, Wilson RK, Cortese IC, Newman-Toker DE. Mothball withdrawal encephalopathy: case report and review of paradichlorobenzene neurotoxicity. Subst Abus. 2006;27:63-7. [PMID: 17347127] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. Avila E, Schraeder P, Belliappa A, Faro S. Pica with paradichlorobenzene mothball ingestion associated with toxic leukoencephalopathy. J Neuroimaging. 2006;16:78-81. [PMID: 16483281] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. Miyai I, Hirono N, Fujita M, Kameyama M. Reversible ataxia following chronic exposure to paradichlorobenzene [Letter]. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1988;51:453-4. [PMID: 3361344] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: From Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.Disclosures: None disclosed. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited ByAcetaminophen-associated methemoglobinemiaLong-Term Consequences of Chronic Naphthalene Poisoning in a Patient With a Mothball Use DisorderExposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and Use of Feminine Hygiene Products Among Reproductive-Aged Women in the United StatesToxic encephalopathy due to paradichlorobenzene toxicity: a case report and review of imaging characteristicsPara -dichlorobenzene toxicity – a review of potential neurotoxic manifestationsVolatile Substance Misuse: An Updated Review of Toxicity and TreatmentToxic Leukoencephalopathy Due to Yam Bean Seeds PoisoningNaphthalene and para -Dichlorobenzene (Mothballs)Lipid Peroxidation and Changes of Trace Elements in Mice Treated with ParadichlorobenzeneCase Files of the New York City Poison Control Center: Paradichlorobenzene-Induced Leukoencephalopathy 3 March 2009Volume 150, Issue 5Page: 362-363KeywordsAdipose tissueAtaxiaBrain diseasesHospitalizationsIngestionInhalationMagnetic resonance imagingToxicityToxinsWalking ePublished: 3 March 2009 Issue Published: 3 March 2009 CopyrightCopyright © 2009 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...