Acute Hippocampal Encephalopathy in Heavy Cannabis Users: About 2 Cases - 23/07/20
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Abstract |
Background |
Cannabis use is increasing worldwide despite the various health effects of this substance.
Methods |
We report 2 cases of acute hippocampal encephalopathy in heavy cannabis users (>10 joints/d).
Results |
In both male patients, acute encephalitis was suspected. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion-weighted sequences showed bilateral high signal abnormalities in hippocampal regions. Patients had renal dysfunction, rhabdomyolysis, and inflammatory syndrome. Investigations showed no evidence of infectious or autoimmune encephalitides. Repeated electroencephalograms revealed no epileptic activity. Clinical, biological, and magnetic resonance imaging acute abnormalities improved within weeks. New exposure to cannabis yielded a new episode of encephalopathy. In both patients, severe long-lasting episodic memory impairment associated with hippocampal atrophy were observed several months later.
Conclusions |
Health professionals should be aware of this cannabis-related syndrome given its severe and long-lasting effects.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Addiction, Cannabis, Encephalopathy, Hippocampus, Memory
Plan
Funding: Agence Nationale de la Recherche. |
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Conflicts of Interest: LCL and ACBL are supported by ANR-17-EURE-0017. QTRN, AG, CL, AB, CP-H, MM, AM-D, JH report none. |
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Authorship: All authors had access to the data and a role in writing this manuscript. |
Vol 133 - N° 7
P. e360-e364 - juillet 2020 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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