Neurotoxicity of solvents in brain of glue abusers

We reviewed the neuropathological changes in 12 forensic autopsies during a period of 6 months in cases with glue abuse suspicion, and observed specific macroscopic and microscopic changes in the brain with emphasis on the white matter substance. The information of this study was taken from the investigation documents, laboratory results, and neuropathological observations. The results were compared with the literature of neurotoxicology on solvents, especially with the examples caused by toluene and coincidences among them were described. The results showed changes related with solvents leukoencephalopathy: multifocal alterations, diminishment, loss and fragmentation of myeline density, conservation of neural filaments and neuropile vacuolization without inflammatory changes. A characterization of the cases was made and an average age of 28.8 was presented. In Colombia, the principal solvent legally used is toluene, but it is possible that other hydrocarbons are involved.