SUBACUTE COMBINED DEGENERATION OF SPINAL CORD WITH NITROUS OXIDE INHALANT USE IN ELDERLY PATIENT


Topic:

Clinical Management

Poster Number: 96

Author(s):

Tabtila Chowdhury DO Student, Trevor Gohl DO student

Institutions:

1. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Inhalant use is well documented amongst adolescents as being the second most common illicit substance used after marijuana. Examples of inhalants are glue, gasoline, and nitrous oxide. Although there are multiple studies on young adult inhalant abuse, it is not well documented amongst the elderly population. This case report explores the effects of nitrous oxide abuse in a 72-year-old-man who presented to the ED with memory deficits, unsteady gait, and bilateral paresthesias of hands for 3 weeks. Physical exam demonstrated positive Romberg, decreased vibration and proprioception in toes, and blunted sensations in fingers. CT imaging confirmed multilevel degenerative changes with spinal stenosis most prominent in the lumbar region, which originally was assumed to incite the patient's symptoms. Labs indicated a low level of Vitamin B12 at 104 pg/mL, and upon further investigation the patient admitted to a one time use of nitrous oxide inhalant, Whip Its, three weeks prior. MRI of the cervical-thoracic spine confirmed SCD consistent with the low Vitamin B12 level and neurological symptoms. The patient was given 1000mcg B-12 injections daily for three days, to which he endorsed improvements in his paresthesias and gait imbalance. Patient discharged with directions for PCP monitoring of his B12 level and neurological improvement. This case emphasizes the importance of thorough drug history-taking in the elderly, as they are overlooked in regards to illicit drug use compared to youth. The elderly are at greater risk for severe complications to illicit drugs, due to greater comorbidities when compared to the youth.