Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Explore the latest content from across our publications

Log In

Forgot Password?
Create New Account

Loading... please wait

Abstract Details

Reversible Vasoconstriction Syndrome associated with Vaping Cannabis Oil
Cerebrovascular Disease and Interventional Neurology
P12 - Poster Session 12 (12:00 PM-1:00 PM)
4-008

The increase in e-cigarette use is a dangerous trend with real health risks. Many are using other forms of aerosolized delivery systems including flavored cannabis oils. Very little is known of the safety and effects of vaped cannabis oil and when bought online, some ingredients mixed into the oils could have harmful, toxic effects with the potential for severe lung disease. We present the case of a woman with reversible vasoconstriction syndrome and associated intraparenchymal hemorrhage following repeated vaping.

47 year old woman admitted after a witnessed seizure following sudden onset of headache and nausea. A computed tomography (CT) head and electroencephalogram were unremarkable. She returned to her baseline and was discharged on day 3 with levetiracetam for seizure prophylaxis. Later that day, she went to a different hospital with confusion and repeat workup was unremarkable. Again, she gradually improved and discharged on day 6. She was brought in by emergency services and admitted to our neurosciences unit later that day for obtundation and CT imaging showing temporal lobe hematoma. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain revealed T2 signal abnormalities in bilateral parietal and occipital lobes. MR angiogram revealed multifocal intracranial arterial stenoses including the basilar, vertebral artery and left middle cerebral artery suggestive of reversible vasoconstriction syndrome. Neurological exam gradually improved and a repeat MR imaging of her brain 3 months later showed resolution of these imaging abnormalities. Upon further questioning, family reported that the patient vaped cannabis oils she had bought online during the few hours prior to each hospital admission. 
Not applicable
Not applicable

This report highlights one of the first cases illustrating the neurotoxic potential of vaped cannabis oils. Clearly, increased research and more evidence is needed to examine the potential neurological effects of widespread vaping as it becomes more easily accessible across the globe.

Authors/Disclosures
Florina G. Karolidis, DO (Jefferson MS Center)
PRESENTER
No disclosure on file
Preet M. Varade, MD (Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest) Dr. Varade has nothing to disclose.