Methamphetamine-induced intracerebral hemorrhage

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Acute onset left weakness of face, arm and leg.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male

Large intraparenchymal hemorrhage centered in the right lentiform nucleus and external capsule. Mild mass effect with effacement of the right lateral ventricle. 3 mm of midline shift. No herniation.

No vascular malformation or aneurysm identified. No vascular beading or irregularity to suggest vasculitis. The right lentiform nucleus hemorrhage contains 3 small focal arterial blushes (CTA spot sign).

No change in hameorrhage size or mass effect.

No aneurysm, vascular malformation, dissection or evidence of dysplasia.

Case Discussion

This patient is a known ice (methamphetamine) user and was taking the drug when he experienced an acute onset headache and weakness. He is not known to be hypertensive and blood pressure during admission was within normal limits.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.