CASE REPORT article
Front. Psychiatry
Sec. Psychopathology
Volume 16 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1633732
Atypical Progression of Delayed Encephalopathy Post-Carbon Monoxide Poisoning with Fluctuating Psychotic Symptoms: A Case Report
Provisionally accepted
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
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This report details a case of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP), a condition with significant neuropsychiatric sequelae that is often underrecognized. The case is notable for its atypical progression and poor response to conventional treatments, highlighting the need for awareness and novel approaches in managing similar cases.Case report: Mrs. C, a 53-year-old female with a long history of recurrent depression, suffered from severe carbon monoxide poisoning. Despite initial recovery, she exhibited a relapse marked by profound cognitive decline and erratic behaviors such as inappropriate urination and fecal smearing. The diagnostic workup, including MRI and neuropsychological testing, confirmed DEACMP. Various treatments were employed with limited success. Her course of illness underscores the fluctuating nature of her symptoms and the overall decline in her cognitive function. Conclusions: This case underscores the complex clinical management and refractory nature of DEACMP, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive, individualized treatment approaches. The insights provided here advocate for heightened surveillance during the 'false recovery period' and tailored therapeutic strategies to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and minimize long-term neurological damage in patients suffering from DEACMP.
Keywords: Delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning, DEACMP, Neuropsychiatric sequelae, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Cognitive Function, case report
Received: 23 May 2025; Accepted: 18 Jul 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Lin, Shao and SUN. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: XINYU SUN, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
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