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14 August 2013 : Case report  Greece

L-asparaginase fatal toxic encephalopathy during consolidation treatment in an adult with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Unknown etiology, Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment, Unexpected drug reaction

Frantzeska FrantzeskakiABCDEFG, Michalis RizosABCD, Matilda PapathanassiouABC, Nikitas NikitasABC, Maria LerikouAB, Apostolos ArmaganidisAB, George DimopoulosAB

DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.889268

Am J Case Rep 2013; 14:311-314

Abstract

Background: Novel therapies have improved survival in malignancies of lymphoid origin. This improvement, however, has been at the cost of chemotherapy-related toxicities. L-asparaginase is frequently included in combination chemotherapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Its use is frequently limited by significant adverse effects, such as coagulation abnormalities and cerebrovascular complications. L-asparaginase-associated encephalopathy is most often observed during the induction phase of chemotherapy and usually carries a favorable prognosis.
Case Report: We describe the profile of an adult with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with L-asparaginase, who developed toxic leukoencephalopathy during the second phase of consolidation treatment. He presented with decreased level of consciousness, which progressed to deep coma and finally brain death. MRI disclosed extensive lesions, consistent with toxic encephalopathy.
Conclusions: Even mild neurological symptoms should raise suspicion of these possibly fatal chemotherapy related toxicities.

Keywords: toxic encephalopathy, L-asparaginase, Leukemia

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American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923
American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923