Historical QOD 4/22/09: What are the MRI findings associated with “chasing the dragon” use of heroin?
The most distinguishing MRI feature of chasing toxicity is the pattern of diffuse increased T2W signal within the white matter tracts of the cerebellum, brainstem and supratentorial brain including the deep grey matter structures. The key to differentiating chasing from other mimickers is the involvement of the cerebellum in a clinically nonhypertensive patient.
“Bartlett E and Mikulis D. 2005, Br J Radiology, 78:997-1004”
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