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Published on: November 20, 2015
Post-Treatment Causes of Encephalopathy
Rami W Eldaya1, Matthew S Parsons2
1Department of Neuroradiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
|July 3, 2026
Summary
This review details acute encephalopathic syndromes from various medications, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and non-cancer drugs. It highlights key imaging findings and mechanisms of these drug-induced neurological toxicities.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Therapeutic medications can cause acute encephalopathic syndromes.
- These syndromes present diverse neurological and imaging features.
- Understanding these toxicities is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review acute encephalopathic syndromes induced by therapeutic medications.
- To emphasize the characteristic imaging features of these syndromes.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of drug-induced neurotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of acute encephalopathic syndromes.
- Focus on chemotherapeutic, immunotherapeutic, and non-cancer drug toxicities.
- Analysis of associated imaging findings and pathomechanisms.
Main Results:
- Chemotherapy can cause acute toxic leukoencephalopathy and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.
- Immunotherapy is associated with encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, and demyelination.
- CAR T-cell therapy can lead to cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Multiple therapeutic agents can induce acute encephalopathic syndromes.
- Distinct imaging patterns aid in diagnosing drug-induced neurotoxicities.
- Understanding mechanisms is key for effective treatment and prevention.
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