Abstract

RODRIGUEZ RAIMONDO, Eduardo et al. Study of brain perfusion anomalies assessed with cerebral SPECT in drug abuse patients. Rev. argent. radiol. [online]. 2010, vol.74, n.2, pp.141-146. ISSN 1852-9992.

Psychoactive drug abuse is a major public health problem in many districts. This study seeks to determine the harmful effects of such drugs on the brain parenchyma of patients known to abuse illegal drugs. Brain scans were obtained using 99 M Tc- ECD SPECT from drug addicts that had been previously surveyed to ascertain the type of drug, the timing and duration of their addiction SPECT findings showed a larger number of cortical perfusion defects, that is to say functional defects located in the orbital-frontal cortex and in the temporal lobes that may explain the significant behavior and personality disorders these patients display. Cerebral SPECT showed to be an excellent method to detect areas affected by psychoactive drugs, their extent, likely evolution and response to treatment.

Keywords : Brain SPECT; Drug abuse; Cocaine; Marihuana.

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