ArticleActa neurologica Belgica2025
Hypoxic brain damage in Methadone misuse: insights from MRI imaging and comparative study.
Article in Acta neurologica Belgica, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundThis study aimed to investigate the potential presence of brain disorders, particularly hypoxia, via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients misusing methadone, with a comparison to regular opium users and a control group.
methodsConducted as a cross-sectional comparative study at Kamali Hospital in Karaj, Iran, the research included male participants comprising methadone users, opium users, and controls. Inclusion criteria were stringent, focusing on substance use duration and absence of brain structural disorders. MRI scans were performed using a 1.5T MRI scanner. Qualitative MRI assessments and chi-square tests analyzed associations between substance use and hypoxia, while logistic regression examined potential confounding variables.
resultsSignificant hypoxia was observed in the methadone group (16.7%, 5/24; p = 0.00057), with no cases in the opium or control groups. Logistic regression analysis showed no significant predictors of hypoxia regarding dose and duration of use. MRI findings in methadone users with hypoxia included varied ADC intensities, high signal intensities on T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences, and angiogenesis patterns on TOF sequences. The co-use of methadone and alcohol was noted in three of the five hypoxia cases.
conclusionMethadone misuse, particularly with alcohol, poses a significant risk of hypoxia, detectable via MRI. This study underscores the need for routine MRI monitoring, stricter regulation of non-prescribed methadone, and enhanced public health education to mitigate misuse risks. Future research should expand sample sizes and incorporate advanced imaging techniques to further elucidate methadone's neurological impact.
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