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Ganciclovir-induced ataxia and encephalopathy
M C Möhlmann1, J Stiksma, M H H Kramer
1Department of Internal Medicine, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|December 15, 2016
Summary
Ganciclovir treats cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections but can cause side effects. This case report details a patient who developed reversible encephalopathy after ganciclovir treatment for CMV.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common viral infection.
- Ganciclovir is a primary antiviral medication used to treat CMV infections.
- Ganciclovir treatment can be associated with potential adverse effects.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old immunocompromised female patient presented with a primary CMV infection.
- The patient was treated with ganciclovir for her CMV infection.
- Following ganciclovir administration, the patient developed symptoms of encephalopathy.
Findings:
- The patient's encephalopathy resolved completely after the discontinuation of ganciclovir.
- This suggests a direct link between ganciclovir and the observed neurological symptoms.
- The adverse neurological effect was reversible upon cessation of the drug.
Implications:
- Ganciclovir-induced encephalopathy is a potential, albeit rare, side effect.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for neurological symptoms in patients receiving ganciclovir.
- Early recognition and drug discontinuation can lead to favorable outcomes in ganciclovir-induced encephalopathy.
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