Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome complicating cytotoxic chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies.
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is an uncommon but distinctive clinicoradiological entity comprising of headache, seizures, visual disturbance, and altered mental function, in association with posterior cerebral white matter edema. With appropriate management, RPLS is reversible in the majority of cases. Previous reported associations of RPLS include hypertension, eclampsia, renal failure, and use of immunosuppressive drugs; reports in the adult hematology setting are rare. We report two cases of adults undergoing treatment for hematological malignancies who developed RPLS, and we emphasize the importance of early recognition and institution of appropriate management in reducing the risk of development of permanent neurological disability.
Hematology Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
C S
CS
Tam
J
J
Galanos
J F
JF
Seymour
A G
AG
Pitman
R J
RJ
Stark
H M
HM
Prince
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004487:Edema; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D020343:Hypertensive Encephalopathy / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents