[Chronic toluene poisoning].

The long-term inhalation of compounds in which toluene is the main ingredient leads to the damage of both central and peripheral nervous system. We present the case of a 24 year-old man who, sniffing these compounds since he was 17, slowly develops a variegated syndrome including psychiatric impairment, signs of bilateral pyramidalism, cerebellar and sensitive alterations, and peripheral neuropathy. CT scan, electrophysiological and laboratory modifications are reported. A comparative study with other reports is made, reviewing the associated pathology to this form of chronic intoxication, caused by the noxious action of each one of these substances or by their interaction. Liposolubility is established as the main pathogenic factor of this intoxication.