Delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning

• Main Authors: Mehmet İbrahim Turan, Atilla Çayır, Haşim Olgun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dicle University Medical School 2014-03-01
• Series: Dicle Medical Journal
• Subjects: Carbon monoxide; intoxication
• Online Access: http://www.diclemedj.org/upload/sayi/31/Dicle%20Med%20J-01890.pdf

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major cause of death following attempted suicide and accidental exposures. Although clinical presentation depends on the duration and the intensity of exposure, the assessment of the severity of intoxication is difficult. A small percentage of patients who show complete initial recovery may develop delayed neurological deficits. Delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning is a rare and poor prognosis neurologic disorders and there is no specific treatment. We present a case with early onset of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning with typical cranial imaging findings in a child with atypical history and clinical presentation.