Posterior leukoencephalopathy after combination chemotherapy in a patient with lymphoma.

Author(s): Abali H, Eren OO, Dizdar O, Karadag O, Erman M, Yilmaz A, Uluc K, Erdem I, Turker A

Affiliation(s): Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.

Publication date & source: 2005-12, Leuk Lymphoma., 46(12):1825-28.

Publication type: Case Reports

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.