Delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae due to long-term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning in Ethiopia: A case report

Abstract

Background: One emergency that occurs frequently and has high morbidity is carbon monoxide poisoning. After a time of lucidity, some victims who recover from the incident of acute carbon monoxide exposure may later suffer delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS), which can include cognitive impairments, a wide range of neurological abnormalities, and affective disorders. Below, we report the first documented incident of DNS after carbon monoxide poisoning in Ethiopia. Case presentation: A 40-year-old male patient who developed a coma after he was exposed to burning charcoal in a closed room was admitted to Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in the northwest region of Ethiopia. He stayed for 12 days during his first admission and was discharged with improvement. One month after discharge, he developed delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae, which manifested as bizarre behavior, being unable to walk unsupported, loss of concentration, and failure to control urine and feces. Brain MRI showed bilateral periventricular and frontoparietal deep white matter subcortical abnormal T1 and T2 prolongation with no restriction of diffusivity, possibly due to demyelinating disorders. He was managed with fluid therapy, benzhexol, risperidone, and rehabilitation therapy. He stayed for two weeks in our hospital and was discharged with improvement. Conclusion: Despite the paucity of delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae from carbon monoxide poisoning, physicians should be highly suspicious in the right situations. The precise mechanisms of delayed toxic effects, prevention measures, and treatment modalities have not yet been determined; therefore, more research and attention are required.