Delayed Leukoencephalopathy: Three Case Reports and a Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Delayed leukoencephalopathy (DL) is a rare entity associated with cerebral hypoxia and heroin consumption. We describe the clinical course of three cases of DL due to non-heroin drug use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe the cases of three DL patients admitted to our hospital in 2012. DISCUSSION: These cases contribute to the aetiological spectrum of DL since multifactorial causes could account for the clinical symptoms. LEARNING POINTS: Substances toxic to the CNS can damage the CNS directly (direct toxicity) or by depressing the respiratory centre (cerebral hypoxia). As clinical manifestations can appear after a time lag, we recommend a period of initial monitoring. Histological and radiological findings can contribute to better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and causes involved.