title: Nonconvulsive status epilepticus related to posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome induced by cetuximab.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a relatively uniform clinical and neuroradiologic manifestation of central nervous system toxicity. The clinical features are headache, altered mental status, and visual disturbances. PRES is often associated with arterial hypertension but it is most usually related to drug toxicity. In fact, it has been related to immunosupressants, cytotoxic, and new antineoplastic-targeted therapies such as sorafenib, sunitinib, bevacizumab, bortezomib, rituximab, and etanercept.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a most unusual case of nonconvulsive status epilepticus related to PRES induced by cetuximab in a patient with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the penis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case emphasizes that in any patient receiving treatment with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor agents and showing a compatible clinical syndrome, PRES should be suspected. We also review the clinical and neuroradiologic features of PRES, discuss its' pathogenesis, and highlight the importance of rapid recognition and withdrawal of the causative agent.
authors: Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Clinic of Navarra, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. jpalmaca@unav.es
authors: Jose-Alberto
authors: JA
authors: Palma
authors: Asier
authors: A
authors: Gomez-Ibañez
authors: Beatriz
authors: B
authors: Martin
authors: Elena
authors: E
authors: Urrestarazu
authors: Ignacio
authors: I
authors: Gil-Bazo
authors: Maria A
authors: MA
authors: Pastor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy; D000068818:Cetuximab; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D010412:Penile Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D054038:Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000068818:Cetuximab