Dystonia and akinesia due to pallidoputaminal lesions after disulfiram intoxication

Abstract

A case with segmental cranial plus crural dystonia of delayed onset and akinesia after acute intoxication with disulfiram is presented. Computed tomography showed bilateral pallidal lesions, whereas on magnetic resonance imaging aditional small lesions of the putamen could be detected. Long‐term observation with progression and a change of symptoms over a period of 10 years after the intoxication is demonstrated on videotape. Although other central side effects after intoxication with disulfiram are well known, movement disorders are uncommon. Carbon disulfide, a disulfiram metabolite, may be important in the etiopathogenesis.