title: Cyclosporine neurotoxicity in heart transplantation.
abstract: The neurotoxic potential of cyclosporine in previous clinical experience has not been considered a significant problem. Recently a significant incidence of severe neurotoxicity has been related to cyclosporine therapy in liver transplant recipients. In our heart transplant program we have observed an unexpectedly high incidence of serious neurologic toxicity, presumably caused by use of cyclosporine. Coma, cerebral hemorrhage, hemiparesis and dysphasia, confusion, and visual hallucinations were reported in four patients. Cyclosporine discontinuation or dose reduction eliminated the neurologic effects in all but one patient. Cyclosporine neurotoxic effects should be suspected in heart transplant recipients with central nervous system syndromes.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cardiología, Centro Médico Nacional Marqués de Valdecilla Santander, Spain.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Vázquez de Prada
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Martín-Duran
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: García-Monco
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Calvo
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Olalla
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: González-Vilchez
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gutierrez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001037:Aphasia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D003524:Cyclosporins; D001379:Azathioprine