Multifocal leukoencephalopathy induced by levamisole: A case report
Journal
Acta Neurologica Taiwanica
Journal Volume
11
Journal Issue
4
Pages
205-208
Date Issued
2002
Author(s)
Abstract
A 24-year-old woman developed progressive dysarthria and right hemiparesis following 6 months' course of levamisole treatment for recurrent oral ulcer (a total dose of 5400 mg). Her head magnetic resonance images showed multifocal white matter lesions with rim enhancement. The results of cerebrospinal fluid analysis and evoked potential studies were normal. After receiving steroid pulse therapy and then gradual tapering of the steroids, she had marked clinical and radiographic improvement. Multifocal leukoencephalopathy has been associated with the administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and levamisole respectively or in combination. Identification of this syndrome is important, because early cessation of the causative agents and possibly a short course of steroid treatment would lead to early resolution.
Subjects
Demyelinating disease; Levamisole; Multifocal leukoencephalopathy
SDGs
Other Subjects
fluorouracil; levamisole; adult; article; case report; cerebrospinal fluid analysis; clinical feature; disease course; dysarthria; evoked response; female; hemiparesis; human; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; steroid therapy
Type
journal article