Ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy: the EEG with frontal intermittent delta activity, and rapid resolution with...

Encephalopathy is an established side effect of the chemotherapeutic agent, ifosfamide, occurring in 10-30% of cases. The EEG commonly shows non-specific features of encephalopathy, and rarely shows frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity (FIRDA).

This is a case report of a 71 year old woman with pleomorphic sarcoma, who developed ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy with her second dose of ifosfamide. It shows the characteristic EEG findings that have been described previously with ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy and additionally the unusual and rare finding of FIRDA. This was followed up by a further EEG showing resolution of the encephalopathy, after administration of methylene blue, coinciding with rapid and complete resolution of her symptoms.

The rapid resolution of the encephalopathy on the EEG after administration of methylene blue adds further evidence to its effectiveness as a treatment for the disorder.