C42-23 Pulmonary Embolism and Peripheral Neuropathy Secondary to Inhaled Nitrous Oxide and Vitamin B12 Deficiency
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine May 1, 2026 W Griffin, S Frison-Roche, D S O’Callaghan
Abstract Introduction Chronic use of inhaled nitrous oxide (NO) or “laughing gas” inactivates vitamin B12 causing a functional B12 deficiency. Active B12 is a coenzyme for the conversion of methylmalonic acid to succinyl Co-A and homocysteine to methionine. These molecules are precursors for the synthesis and maintenance of myelin nerve sheaths. Therefore, functional B12 deficiency compromises...