Rezidivierendes reversibles posteriores Leukenzephalopathiesyndrom unter Chemotherapie mit Cisplatin und 5-Fluorouracil

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome following combinatorial cisplatin and pemetrexed therapy for lung cancer in a normotensive patient: A case report and literature review

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is a rare neurological syndrome of the brain, causing symptoms such as headaches, seizures, altered mental status and visual disturbances. The condition is predominantly associated with hypertension, eclampsia, renal impairment, cytotoxic drugs, immunosuppressive agents and molecular targeted agents, but the precise underlying mechanism of RPLS is not fully understood. The present study describes the case of a 65-year-old female patient with stage IIA non-small cell lung cancer who received cisplatin/pemetrexed treatment at the Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center. Following 3 cycles of this therapy, the patient was referred to the Emergency Department of Vidant Medical Center with an altered mental status, subsequently presenting with epileptic seizures, a fever and a headache. A neurological examination revealed generalized hyperreflexia and paraparesis, with extensor posturing of the bilateral lower extremities. The lumbar puncture and electroencephalography results were normal, but cranial computed tomography (CT) scans revealed attenuation abnormalities in the bilateral parietal region and the left occipital lobe, with suspected metastasis. Cranial T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated bilateral regions of increased signal intensity in the occipital, temporal and periventricular white matter. The patient was treated with anticonvulsants, steroids and antihypertensive drugs, recovered gradually from the symptoms and regained full consciousness. However, the patient reported residual weakness, presenting with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 3, reflective of an inability to independently perform daily activities and self-care. A brain MRI performed 10 days later demonstrated that the subcortical edema had partially subsided. The patient was discharged on day 15 post-admission. A follow-up cranial CT examination 1 month later indicated a partial resolution of the abnormalities. The present report reviews similar associated cases, and also discusses the clinical features and mechanisms underlying RPLS. Although it is typically reversible, RPLS is a serious and potentially life-threatening adverse condition if left untreated. Early recognition of this condition is crucial for the prompt control of the patient's blood pressure or withdrawal of cytotoxic drugs in order to reverse this syndrome.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by headache, altered mental status, visual disturbances, and seizures. Radiological features typically include edema of the posterior cerebral regions, especially of the parietooccipital lobes. Atypical imaging features, such as involvement of anterior cerebral regions, deep white matter, and the brain stem are also frequently seen. Vasoconstriction is common in vascular imaging. Different conditions have been associated with PRES, but toxemia of pregnancy, solid organ or bone marrow transplantation, immunosuppressive treatment, cancer chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, and hypertension are most commonly described. The pathophysiology of PRES is unclear and different hypotheses are being discussed. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is best managed by monitoring and treatment in the setting of a neurointensive care unit. The prognosis is usually benign with complete reversal of clinical symptoms within several days, when adequate treatment is immediately initiated. Treatment of severe hypertension, seizures, and withdrawal of causative agents represent the hallmarks of specific therapy in PRES. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent neurological sequelae. Therefore, awareness of PRES is of crucial importance for the intensivist.

A Case of Oxaliplatin-Related Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

We report the first case of oxaliplatin-related posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in the medical literature. A 19-year-old woman with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the rectum received modified FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin) chemotherapy. Ten days after the fourth treatment, she presented to the hospital with seizures and altered mental status. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated hyperintensity in the white matter of the posterior hemispheres consistent with PRES. Herein, we briefly review the PRES syndrome and its management.