The confused cancer patient: a case of 5-fluorouracil-induced encephalopathy.
The fluorinated pyrimidine 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an anticancer agent used in most adjuvant and palliative treatment regimens for colorectal cancer. Neurotoxicities are considered extremely rare side effects of 5-FU. Here, we report a case of 5-FU-induced encephalopathy, manifesting as seizures and delirium, in an era of oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy. If ammonia levels are elevated, lactulose may be considered in the initial management of neuropsychiatric complications from 5-FU.
Cheung
W Y
WY
Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
Fralick
R A
RA
Cheng
S
S