Toxic-metabolic encephalopathy in adults: Critical discussion and pragmatical diagnostic approach.

L Le Guennec, C Marois, S Demeret, E F M Wijdicks, N Weiss

Journal: Revue neurologique 2022;178(1-2):93-104

PMID: 34996631

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Toxic-metabolic encephalopathy (TME) results from an acute cerebral dysfunction due to different metabolic disturbances including medications or illicit-drugs. It can lead to altered consciousness, going from delirium to coma, which may require intensive care and invasive mechanical ventilation. Even if it is a life-threatening condition, TME might have an excellent prognosis if its etiology is rapidly identified and treated adequately. This review summarizes the main etiologies, their differential diagnosis, and diagnostic strategy and management of TME with a critical discussion on the definition of TME.

Address: Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, département de neurologie, unité de Médecine Intensive Réanimation à orientation neurologique, Paris, France; Groupe de Recherche Clinique en REanimation et Soins intensifs du Patient en Insuffisance Respiratoire aiguE (GRC-RESPIRE) Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne, France.; Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, département de neurologie, unité de Médecine Intensive Réanimation à orientation neurologique, Paris, France.; Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurology, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.; Groupe de Recherche Clinique en REanimation et Soins intensifs du Patient en Insuffisance Respiratoire aiguE (GRC-RESPIRE) Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne, France; Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, département de neurologie, unité de Médecine Intensive Réanimation à orientation neurologique, Paris, France; Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies métaboliques, biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2021.11.007

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MeSH Terms: Brain Diseases, Brain Diseases, Metabolic, Coma, Critical Care, Humans, Intensive Care Units, Respiration, Artificial