Delayed Posthypoxic Leucoencephalopaty: Is a Rare Condition in Patients after Episodes with Hypoxia Due to Drug Overdose with Opioids, Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates, Among Other Causes

Abstract

Patients suffering from acute hypoxic episodes with respiratory failure and initial recovery, may in rare occasions present with neurological and neuropsychological symptoms occurring 2 to 4 weeks after recovery from the hypoxic episode. This rare entity is named Delayed Posthypoxic Leucoencephalopaty (DPHL). The patients present with typical MRI-findings of bilateral subcortical white matter lesions. The primary hypoxic episodes might, among other causes, be due to drug overdose with opioids, benzodiazepines and barbiturates. There is no evidence-based treatment for the condition and the majority of patients with DPHL recover spontaneously.