Acute toxic encephalopathy induced by chloropicrin: case report
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By
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Luye Wang
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Yingzhan Jiang
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Weiwei Yan
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June 10, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Chloropicrin-Induced Acute Toxic Encephalopathy: A Case Study
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
| Condition | Chloropicrin-induced toxic encephalopathy |
| Key Mechanisms | Capillary damage in the central nervous system, hypoxia, and cerebral edema |
| Target Population | Agricultural workers exposed to chloropicrin |
| Care Setting | Emergency department and intensive care unit |
Key Highlights
- A 53-year-old male developed impaired consciousness after chloropicrin exposure.
- Diagnosis of toxic encephalopathy was confirmed through EEG.
- Supportive treatment included antioxidants and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
- Patient showed improvement after 3 weeks and was discharged.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Rule out systemic diseases, cerebrovascular disorders, and intracranial infections.
Management
- Supportive treatment and application of antioxidants and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Continuous assessment of neurological status and sedation levels.
Risks
- Exposure to chloropicrin can lead to severe neurological symptoms and toxic encephalopathy.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals exposed to chloropicrin, particularly agricultural workers.
Sedation with midazolam and ciprofol was used during mechanical ventilation.
Clinical Best Practices
- Implement protective measures for agricultural workers handling chloropicrin.
- Raise awareness among healthcare professionals regarding chloropicrin toxicity.
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