Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy induced by cancer chemotherapy.
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy, defined by both clinical and neuroimaging findings, can affect children receiving chemotherapy. The syndrome is characterized by hypertension, alterations in mental status, seizures, hallucinations, and acute visual changes and is associated with abnormalities seen in magnetic resonance imaging of symmetric white matter lesions, especially in the parietal and occipital lobes. The etiology of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy is as yet unknown. Presented here are four cases of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy induced by chemotherapy, with a brief review of the literature and consideration of possible mechanisms. A diagnosis of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy should be considered when patients receiving cancer chemotherapy suddenly develop hypertension followed by neurologic complications, especially if presenting with seizures.
Baytan
Birol
B
Department of Pediatric Hematology, Uludag University Medical Faculty, Görükle Bursa, Turkey. birolbaytan@yahoo.com
Ozdemir
Ozlem
O
Demirkaya
Metin
M
Evim
Melike Sezgin
MS
Gunes
Adalet Meral
AM
D000293:Adolescent; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D056784:Leukoencephalopathies / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents