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Methotrexate-induced toxic leukoencephalopathy.
Geri M Gowan1, Jon D Herrington, Alexander B Simonetta
1Department of Pharmacy, Scott and White Memorial Hospital and Clinic, Temple, Texas 76508, USA. ggowan@swmail.sw.org
Pharmacotherapy
|September 12, 2002
Summary
Drug-induced leukoencephalopathy can be severe. A case report highlights a patient who developed this condition after intraventricular methotrexate, even without cranial radiation exposure, suggesting other risk factors may be involved.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Drug-induced leukoencephalopathy is a serious adverse event associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Established risk factors include advanced age, specific chemotherapies, Ommaya devices, central nervous system malignancies, and cranial radiation exposure.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old female patient presented with leukoencephalopathy.
- The condition manifested two months after her final dose of intraventricular methotrexate.
Findings:
- This case is notable as the leukoencephalopathy developed in the absence of prior cranial radiation exposure.
- This suggests that intraventricular methotrexate alone, or in combination with other unstated factors, can induce leukoencephalopathy.
Implications:
- The findings expand the understanding of potential triggers for drug-induced leukoencephalopathy.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms and identify all contributing factors beyond cranial radiation.