The development of Lhermitte's sign during cisplatin chemotherapy. Possible drug-induced toxicity causing spinal cord demyelination.
Cisplatin is a recognized neurotoxic agent that commonly causes ototoxicity and peripheral neuropathy. In conjunction with characteristic peripheral neuropathy, two patients treated with high-dose cisplatin developed Lhermitte's sign, a manifestation of posterior column spinal cord pathology. After cisplatin therapy was stopped, this symptom gradually resolved. This suggests that at high doses cisplatin may also cause demyelinating central nervous system lesions involving the spinal cord.
Division of Urology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
P J
PJ
Walther
E
E
Rossitch
D E
DE
Bullard
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000139:chemically induced; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*
D002945:Cisplatin