J Korean Neurol Assoc.  2016 Aug;34(3):217-219. 10.17340/jkna.2016.3.9.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Complicated with Cerebral Infarct after Inhaling Ethylene Oxide Gas

• Lee MO
• Park SH
• Ryu WS

• KMID: 2345246
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17340/jkna.2016.3.9

Abstract

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by thunderclap headache and multiple reversible intracranial vasoconstrictions. Here we report a case of RCVS after exposure to ethylene oxide (EO) gas, which is a widely used sterilant. A 34-year-old woman presented with aphasia, right-arm weakness, and severe headache after inhaling EO gas. Brain imaging revealed multiple infarcts and multiple intracranial stenoses. The stenotic lesions completely regressed on follow-up CT angiography. This is the first report of RCVS after exposure to EO gas.

Keyword

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome; Ethylene oxide; Thunderclap headache

MeSH Terms

Adult
Angiography
Aphasia
Constriction, Pathologic
Ethylene Oxide*
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Headache
Headache Disorders, Primary
Humans
Inhalation*
Neuroimaging
Vasoconstriction*
Ethylene Oxide