Leukoencephalopathy after levamisole for the treatment of verrucae.
OBJECTIVE
Levamisole is an antihelmintic and immunomodulator used as a dewormer and in combination with other forms of chemotherapy to treat colon cancer, melanoma, and head and neck cancer. It has also been used for treating dermatologic disorders such as verrucae. However, its benefits remain controversial and serious side effects such as central nervous system toxicity are unexpected.


METHODS
Multifocal leukoencephalopathy developed in a 26-year-old man after levamisole treatment for verrucae. He recovered completely after discontinuation of the offending drug and treatment with steroid and plasmapheresis.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should be aware of this neurotoxicity in order to provide early diagnosis and treatment and thereby improve outcome.
Department of Neurology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. vattmo@gmail.com
Yu-Chen
YC
Cheng
Helen L
HL
Po
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D056784:Leukoencephalopathies / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D007978:Levamisole / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D014860:Warts / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D007978:Levamisole