Methotrexate leukoencephalopathy presenting as Klüver-Bucy syndrome and uncinate seizures. uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Methotrexate causes several biochemical changes that impact the nervous system. The neurotoxicity usually affects the cerebral white matter, causing a leukoencephalopathy that can be chronic and progressive with cognitive decline. A 15-year-old male developed olfactory seizures and behavioral abnormalities (hypersexuality, placidity, and memory disturbances) compatible with partial Klüver-Bucy syndrome after treatment for central nervous system leukemia with intraventricular methotrexate. A magnetic resonance imaging study revealed evidence of white matter disease affecting both temporal lobes. A brain biopsy revealed a necrotizing encephalopathy compatible with methotrexate-related white matter injury. It may be prudent to verify normal cerebrospinal fluid dynamics before the administration of intraventricular methotrexate in children with a history of central nervous system leukemia.

publication date

  • April 1, 2002

Research

keywords

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Epilepsies, Partial
  • Kluver-Bucy Syndrome
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal
  • Methotrexate

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0036234373

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/s0887-8994(01)00376-9

PubMed ID

  • 11992760

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 26

issue

  • 4