Toluene abuse and white matter: a model of toxic leukoencephalopathy

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2013 Jun;36(2):293-302. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2013.02.008. Epub 2013 Apr 15.

Abstract

The brain is the primary target of toluene (methylbenzene), the major solvent in spray paint and a constituent of many other easily obtained commercial and industrial products. The effects of acute intoxication can be dramatic and the lasting adverse effects of inhalants may be highly injurious. Mental status alterations range from acute confusional state to coma. Toluene abuse effects on white matter are demonstrable neuroradiologically and neuropathologically, and have important neurobehavioral consequences.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atrophy / chemically induced
  • Atrophy / pathology
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / pathology
  • Dementia / chemically induced
  • Dementia / complications
  • Dementia / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inhalant Abuse / complications
  • Inhalant Abuse / diagnosis*
  • Inhalant Abuse / pathology*
  • Leukoencephalopathies / chemically induced
  • Leukoencephalopathies / diagnosis*
  • Leukoencephalopathies / pathology*
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / drug effects
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / pathology*
  • Prognosis
  • Solvents / administration & dosage
  • Solvents / poisoning*
  • Toluene / poisoning*

Substances

  • Solvents
  • Toluene