Fatal toxic leukoencephalopathy secondary to overdose of a new psychoactive designer drug 2C-E ("Europa").
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center) – October 01, 2012
Source: PubMed
Summary
A new psychoactive designer drug, 2C-E ("Europa"), can cause fatal brain damage. A recent case demonstrated that ingesting this substance, often found online, led to a severe and lethal condition affecting the brain's white matter. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uniquely revealed diffuse toxic injury to these crucial brain areas, while sparing other parts. This provides the first detailed observation of such specific cerebral damage linked to a lethal 2C-E overdose, offering vital insights into its extreme neurotoxicity.
Abstract
We present a case of a fatal toxic leukoencephalopathy following ingestion of a new psychoactive designer drug known as 2C-E or "Europa." Recreational drugs, particularly hallucinogenic substances, appear to be growing in popularity, with increasing amounts of information available via the Internet to entice potential users. In addition, some newer "designer" psychoactive substances are available for purchase online without adverse legal consequences, therefore adding to their popularity. We describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings to include selective diffuse toxic injury of the cerebral white matter with sparing of the cortex and most of the deep gray nuclei. To our knowledge, this is the first reported description of cerebral findings on MRI that are likely related to a lethal ingestion of 2C-E.