Regional cerebral blood flow in a case of amphetamine intoxication.

The regional cerebral blood flow (133Xe-inhalation method) was measured during acute amphetamine intoxication in a male 25 years old addict. During the study the patient displayed symptoms of paranoia and slight euphoria and tension. The flow level was found to be elevated by about 30% compared to a study in non-intoxicated state. The augmentation was most marked in the left hemisphere and in frontal regions (local increases up to 100%). The results confirm earlier findings in animal models and indicate the central role of frontal cortical structures in the production of psychotic symptoms.