Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
05:30
Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 5, 2014
Reversible tacrolimus-induced neurotoxicity isolated to the brain stem
P J Oliverio1, L Restrepo, S A Mitchell
1Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|August 23, 2000
Summary
A bone marrow transplant patient developed neurological symptoms due to tacrolimus toxicity. Discontinuing the immunosuppressant drug led to symptom resolution and imaging improvements, highlighting tacrolimus
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- A 30-year-old woman underwent a matched, unrelated bone marrow transplant for chronic myeloid leukemia.
- She received tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant, post-transplantation.
Observation:
- The patient developed diplopia, nystagmus, visual hallucinations, and internuclear ophthalmoplegia 84 days post-transplant.
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging showed brainstem abnormalities with contrast enhancement.
Findings:
- The neurological symptoms and brainstem abnormalities were attributed to tacrolimus toxicity.
- Discontinuation of tacrolimus resulted in complete resolution of symptoms and imaging findings.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential neurotoxicity of tacrolimus in bone marrow transplant recipients.
- Early recognition and drug withdrawal are crucial for managing tacrolimus-induced neurological complications.
