Posterior leukoencephalopathy after combination chemotherapy in a patient with lymphoma

Leuk Lymphoma. 2005 Dec;46(12):1825-28. doi: 10.1080/10428190500234424.

Abstract

Posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome is a recently described syndrome involving mainly parieto-occipital gray/white matter of the brain. It occurs secondary to various clinical entities, like hypertension and immunosuppressive therapy. Few cases after combination chemotherapy have been reported. This study describes a 36-year-old woman with primary refractory T-cell lymphoma, who developed central nervous system toxicity due to treatment with intrathecal methotrexate and intravenous ifosfamide, idarubicine and etoposide given as a salvage regimen. Both clinical features as well as magnetic resonance imaging findings were typical for posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. The patient died despite anti-hypertensive therapy and haemodialysis. Central nervous system toxicity related to chemotherapeutics and posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome are discussed briefly.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Biopsy
  • Etoposide / administration & dosage
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Idarubicin / administration & dosage
  • Ifosfamide / administration & dosage
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / chemically induced*
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / pathology
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Etoposide
  • Ifosfamide
  • Idarubicin