Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Cord Induced by Nitrous Oxide Abuse: A Rare Patient Presentation to a Spine Surgery Clinic

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Authors

Jacob Shermetaro, Corewell Health Resident
Michael Bridges, Corewell Health Resident
Jonathan Avon, Corewell Health Resident
Nilesh Patel, Corewell Health
Brian Vosko, Corewell Health

Description

Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord is a disease involving the lateral and posterior columns of the spinal cord that can manifest in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) induced SCD of the spinal cord is a result of N2O interfering with the metabolism of vitamin B12 and results in nervous system demyelination.

This is an infrequent complication of N2O anesthesia however cases are rising with recreational N2O use.

Given wide availability of N2O, clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion when confronting patients with concerning clinical pictures.

Publication Date

5-9-2024

Disciplines

Internal Medicine | Orthopedics

Recommended Citation

Shermetaro M, Bridges M, Avon J, Patel N, Vosko B. Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord induced by nitrous oxide abuse: a rare patient presentation to a spine surgery clinic. Presented at Corewell Health Hospital Farmington Hills 2024 Alvin Yarrows Research Day; 2024 May 9; Farmington Hills, MI.

Comments

2024 Alvin Yarrows Research Day at Corewell Health Hospital Farmington Hills, Farmington Hills, MI, May 9, 2024.