Facial paresis after fludarabine treatment for advanced chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

This case report discusses a case with advanced-stage chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) that presented with facial paresis after fludarabine treatment. A 68-year old patient with CLL (Rai classification, stage IV) was admitted to Gülhane Military Medical Academy for treatment. Fludarabine, 30 mg/m2 daily for 5 days, was given. Right facial paresis was observed at day 8 after administration of fludarabine. The general and psychiatric condition of the patient in myelosuppression did not permit aetiological investigation for paresis. Thereafter, the patient died due to septic shock. Possible aetiological reasons why the patient being treated for advanced-stage CLL had facial paresis after the administration of fludarabine ended are discussed.