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Epilepsia partialis continua associated with levamisole

Marina N Aberastury1, Walter H Silva, Maria M Vaccarezza

  • 1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. marina.aberastury@hospitalitaliano.org.ar

Pediatric Neurology
|April 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Levamisole, an immunomodulating drug, can cause epilepsia partialis continua (EPC), a form of continuous focal seizures. This case report details a unique association between levamisole-induced EPC and distinct cortical lesions visible on MRI.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroimmunology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Epilepsia partialis continua (EPC) is characterized by continuous focal motor seizures.
  • Levamisole is an immunomodulating agent used for conditions like recurrent aphthous ulcers.
  • Levamisole has been linked to multifocal inflammatory leukoencephalopathy.

Observation:

  • A case of an adolescent presenting with EPC is described.
  • The patient developed EPC following administration of levamisole.
  • Clinical, neuroimaging (MRI), and electroencephalographic findings were documented.

Findings:

  • The patient exhibited cortical and subcortical lesions on MRI.
  • These lesions were associated with the EPC.
  • This represents the first reported instance linking levamisole-induced EPC with specific MRI-detected cortical lesions.

Implications:

  • This finding expands the known neurological adverse effects of levamisole.
  • Highlights the importance of considering levamisole as a potential cause of EPC and associated brain lesions.
  • Suggests a need for careful monitoring of neurological function in patients treated with levamisole.

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