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Multifocal leukoencephalopathy and polyneuropathy after 18 years on interferon alpha

J Finsterer1, O Sommer, M Stiskal

  • 1Neurological Department, KA Rudolfstiftung, Vienna, Austria. duarte@aonmail.at

Leukemia & Lymphoma
|December 29, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Long-term interferon alpha therapy can cause rare neurological side effects. This case report details multifocal leukoencephalopathy and sensory-motor polyneuropathy in a patient receiving continuous interferon alpha treatment for hairy cell leukemia.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Interferon alpha (IFN-α) is a cytokine used in treating hairy cell leukemia.
  • Long-term side effects of IFN-α therapy are not fully elucidated.
  • Neurological complications are rare but serious adverse events.

Observation:

  • A 77-year-old male with hairy cell leukemia received continuous IFN-α2b and IFN-α2a since 1984.
  • The patient developed hemi-hypesthesia, gait disturbance, proximal lower limb weakness, sensory disturbances, and restless leg syndrome since 2000.
  • Cerebral MRI revealed multifocal supratentorial white matter lesions, and nerve conduction studies showed reduced peroneal and sural nerve velocities.

Findings:

  • Central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities were observed.
  • These abnormalities were attributed to prolonged interferon alpha therapy after excluding other causes.
  • The findings suggest a potential link between long-term IFN-α and neurological dysfunction.

Implications:

  • This case highlights multifocal leukoencephalopathy and sensory-motor polyneuropathy as potential, albeit rare, adverse effects of sustained interferon alpha treatment.
  • Clinicians should consider neurological monitoring in patients undergoing long-term interferon alpha therapy.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and incidence of these neurological complications.

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