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Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome complicating cytotoxic chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies
Author(s) -
Tam C.S.,
Galanos J.,
Seymour J.F.,
Pitman A.G.,
Stark R.J.,
Prince H.M.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
american journal of hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.456
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1096-8652
pISSN - 0361-8609
DOI - 10.1002/ajh.20147
Subject(s) - medicine , leukoencephalopathy , altered mental status , posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome , pediatrics , hematology , chemotherapy , cerebral edema , white matter , eclampsia , progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy , magnetic resonance imaging , multiple sclerosis , immunology , radiology , disease , pregnancy , genetics , biology
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is an uncommon but distinctive clinicoradiological entity comprising of headache, seizures, visual disturbance, and altered mental function, in association with posterior cerebral white matter edema. With appropriate management, RPLS is reversible in the majority of cases. Previous reported associations of RPLS include hypertension, eclampsia, renal failure, and use of immunosuppressive drugs; reports in the adult hematology setting are rare. We report two cases of adults undergoing treatment for hematological malignancies who developed RPLS, and we emphasize the importance of early recognition and institution of appropriate management in reducing the risk of development of permanent neurological disability. Am. J. Hematol. 77:72–76, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.