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AJNR: American Journal of Neuroradiology logoLink to AJNR: American Journal of Neuroradiology
. 1993 Sep-Oct;14(5):1195-9.

MR imaging of "spray heads": toluene abuse via aerosol paint inhalation.

L Xiong 1, J D Matthes 1, J Li 1, J R Jinkins 1
PMCID: PMC8332768  PMID: 8237703

Abstract

PURPOSE

Three male patients with a history of spray-paint inhalation are presented.

METHODS

Spin-echo MR was used to evaluate the central nervous system changes secondary to toluene inhalation delivered via spray-paint fumes.

RESULTS

The remarkable findings included the loss of cerebral and cerebellar gray-white matter discrimination, scattered multifocal deep white matter lesions, and gross generalized atrophy of the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the corpus callosum.

CONCLUSION

Although the observed changes are nonspecific, combined with a positive history the diagnosis of inhalation toluene abuse can be made on the basis of consistent MR findings.

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