Ethyl chloride (EC) (C2H5Cl) is a volatile gas mainly used as topical anaesthetic due to its refrigerant properties [1]. In the context of chemsex, i.e., sexual activity while under the influence of drugs, there has been an emerging trend of recreational misuse of several drugs (e.g. methamphetamine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate and mephedrone) and inhaled solvent including EC [1, 2]. The current knowledge about the consequences of EC intoxication is mostly based on reports of single cases [3, 4]. Cardiovascular events are the most frequent complication whereas neurological damage is thought to be rare. Here, we report a detailed case of neurotoxicity due to EC intoxication.

Case report

A 48-year-old man was seen for the sudden occurrence of an unsteady gait with dizziness. He had an HIV infection treated by dolutegravir and rilpivirine for about 18 years without any history of opportunistic infections. After two days without answering to friends’ calls, he was found asleep at home by emergency services, unable to walk, with slurred speech, and admitted to our centre for investigations. On admission, he had a static cerebellar syndrome with ataxic gait, unsteady tandem gait, ataxic dysarthria and nausea associated with impairment of short-term memory with fluctuating attention (See video two days after admission). Otherwise, the examination was normal, with no observed nystagmus or tremors). Blood count and metabolic investigations, including vitamins dosage, glycemia, ionogram, calcemia, ammonia, and creatinine, were unremarkable. CD4 count was normal and HIV was not detected in blood. Urine drug screening was negative. Infectious and auto-immune investigations were normal. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was normal (2 WBC/mm3, 0 RBC/mm3, protein 0.37 g/L) with no detection of JC virus or HIV. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electrocardiogram were normal. The condition of the patient gradually improved without any treatment so that he was able to walk unaided three days after admission (with only mild ataxia). He eventually recalled misusing (inhalation) an EC spray two days before admission. He had already been inhaling EC occasionally, in smaller quantities in order to relax himself before sleep or to alleviate muscular pain due to sport. This time, he estimated his acute inhaled consumption at two full sprays of 175 mL of EC each. He fully recovered two weeks after being discharged from hospital. Based on the medical history and clinical observation, we retained the diagnosis of acute ataxia related to EC intoxication.

Discussion

Acute-onset ataxia should prompt physicians to first consider the possibility of a cerebellar stroke. Here, normal MRI together with memory impairment and initial sleepiness were rather suggestive of an alternative cause, especially drug or toxic exposure. In our case, the diagnosis was further delayed because (i) EC is not routinely detected in urine (ii) neurological complications of EC are poorly known (iii) the patient had memory disturbances initially preventing him to mention EC use. EC is commonly used for local muscle anaesthesia in sportive or traumatic contexts [3]. Several sprays containing EC are easily and legally available over the counter or through e-commerce companies. The most frequent manifestations related to EC misuse are cardiovascular symptoms such as arrhythmia and gastrointestinal problems [3]. Due to its lipophilic properties, EC easily passes through the blood brain barrier and is thought to inhibit N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors [5]. EC intoxication causes central nervous system depression, sensation of drunkenness and hallucinations [3].

Even though the recreational use of EC has been reported since the 1980s, the literature is scarce and only a few cases of intoxication are reported [3, 4]. Of the twelve reported cases (including ours), three had HIV infection and intoxication could occur after a one-time use or after several years of repeated use [3] (Table 1). Reported neurological effects comprised cognitive and psychiatric symptoms (euphoria, hallucinations, short-term memory impairment, confusion), cerebellar syndrome, and pyramidal syndrome (Table 1). These manifestations usually resolve within days to weeks with supportive care [3]. However, several deaths have been associated with EC use, mostly due to cardiac complications [6]. In our patient, the desired effect was drowsiness state. He had already inhaled EC before – though in small amounts - without experiencing any cognitive or adverse motor effects. Anecdotally, on website forums for recreational drug, EC is described as a substitute for poppers or nitrous oxide, but with longer effect. The current tendency to misuse legal inhaled chemicals (such as nitrous oxide) for recreational purposes raises the possibility of a forthcoming increase in the number of patients with neurological manifestations due to EC intoxication. EC intoxication should thus be considered in patients with unexplained acute neurological manifestations.

Table 1 Review of previous case reports of neurotoxicity due to ethyl chloride
Full size table

The symptoms also presented by our patient are highlighted in bold. Cases solely documenting sudden death, devoid of neurological symptoms, have been omitted.