Bilateral Basal Ganglia Lesion after Glufosinate Ammonium (BASTA ® ) Intoxication

Background: Glufosinate ammonium (Basta®) was developed in Japan in 1994 and was introduced to Korea as a non-selective herbicide. Recently, there is increasing concern about the glufosinate ammonium (GLA) intoxication. Case Report: We report a bilateral basal ganglia lesion that developed after Basta® ingestion. Hippocampal cytotoxic edema is usually encountered after GLA intoxication because profound hypotension or prolonged generalized tonic clonic seizures are usually accompanied. However, profound hypotensive episode or elevated creatine kinase was not observed during the hospital admission. After conservative ventilator support and antibiotic care for aspiration pneumonia, the patient was discharged to a chronic care facility. Conclusion: Bilateral striatal lesion except hippocampal involvement is one of the features of GLA intoxication. Toxic properties for GLA and other additives in Basta® should be thoroughly investigated. J Neurocrit Care 2014;7(2):125-128