Thomas Nevin, Patel Ravi, Oluwadamilola Babaniji
Internal Medicine, Methodist Dallas Health System, Dallas, USA.
Cureus. 2024 Nov 30;16(11):e74871. doi: 10.7759/cureus.74871. eCollection 2024 Nov.
This case report describes a 31-year-old male who developed subacute combined degeneration as a result of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by recreational use of nitrous oxide ("whippets") over a six-month period. nitrous oxide, widely available and often used for its euphoric effects, can lead to alterations in B12 metabolism and decreased myelination, particularly in the dorsal columns, with prolonged use. Despite prompt diagnosis and treatment, including intramuscular B12 injections and physical therapy, he experienced residual weakness and required outpatient rehabilitation. This case highlights the importance of public education about the risks of nitrous oxide abuse, as its use appears to be increasing, in order to prevent further hospitalizations and morbidity.
本病例报告描述了一名31岁男性，他因在六个月内娱乐性使用一氧化二氮（“笑气”）导致维生素B12缺乏，进而发展为亚急性联合变性。一氧化二氮广泛可得，常因其欣快作用而被使用，长期使用会导致维生素B12代谢改变和髓鞘形成减少，尤其是在脊髓后索。尽管及时诊断并进行了治疗，包括肌肉注射维生素B12和物理治疗，但他仍残留虚弱症状，需要门诊康复治疗。该病例凸显了对一氧化二氮滥用风险进行公众教育的重要性，因为其使用似乎在增加，以防止更多人住院和发病。
