Leukoencephalopathy after “chasing the dragon” of synthetic cannabinoid (Bonsai) abuse: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

A 17-year-old male who had abused bonsai, consisting of synthetic cannabinoids for three years, was brought in the hospital by ambulance after vapor inhalation-“chasing the dragon”-of bonsai on the day of symptom onset and presented with signs, and symptoms of acute pyramidal, extrapyramidal, cerebellar system and neurobehavioral changes, which rapidly progressed to akinetic mutism. His cranial magnetic resonance imaging findings were similar to those of toxic leukoencephalopathy. We have emphasized that the use of bonsai is becoming increasingly common in developing countries, mainly among children and young adults, as a result of incredibly low price and easy availability. © 2018, Logos Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.