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Nontraumatic Plexitis and Heroin Addiction

Nontraumatic Plexitis and Heroin Addiction Brachial and lumbosacral plexitis were observed as new complications of intravenous injection of heroin-adulterant mixtures in 13 patients (eight with brachial and five with lumbosacral plexitis). Clinical features included monoparesis with impaired sensation and hyporeflexia in the involved limb. Severe causalgia-like pain was a frequent symptom for lowerextremity lesions. Electrodiagnostic studies showed denervation in the weak limb, with localization of the causative lesion at a plexus rather than at a radicular or peripheral nerve level in 12 patients. One patient showed a radicular localization. The lesions appeared to be at least partially reversible. A direct toxic effect of the injectant or hypersensitivity reactions are possible causes. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png JAMA American Medical Association

Nontraumatic Plexitis and Heroin Addiction

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References (15)

Publisher
American Medical Association
Copyright
Copyright © 1973 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS Restrictions Apply to Government Use.
ISSN
0098-7484
eISSN
1538-3598
DOI
10.1001/jama.1973.03220360024006
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Brachial and lumbosacral plexitis were observed as new complications of intravenous injection of heroin-adulterant mixtures in 13 patients (eight with brachial and five with lumbosacral plexitis). Clinical features included monoparesis with impaired sensation and hyporeflexia in the involved limb. Severe causalgia-like pain was a frequent symptom for lowerextremity lesions. Electrodiagnostic studies showed denervation in the weak limb, with localization of the causative lesion at a plexus rather than at a radicular or peripheral nerve level in 12 patients. One patient showed a radicular localization. The lesions appeared to be at least partially reversible. A direct toxic effect of the injectant or hypersensitivity reactions are possible causes.

Journal

JAMAAmerican Medical Association

Published: Aug 20, 1973

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