Open AccessSuicide attempt induced by drug‐induced leukoencephalopathy: A case report
Author(s) -
Maehara Ryo,
Kawamata Yasushi,
Ichikawa Motoshi,
Mitani Kinuko,
YasuiFurukori Norio,
Shimoda Kazutaka
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
neuropsychopharmacology reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.661
H-Index - 13
ISSN - 2574-173X
DOI - 10.1002/npr2.12214
Subject(s) - leukoencephalopathy , medicine , methotrexate , encephalopathy , procarbazine , progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy , rituximab , lymphoma , pediatrics , chemotherapy , magnetic resonance imaging , radiology , vincristine , psychiatry , multiple sclerosis , cyclophosphamide
Background Leukoencephalopathy is identified during the administration of anticancer drugs. Symptoms vary from neurological symptoms to psychiatric symptoms depending on the site of damage. There have been no previous reports of suicide attempts due to drug‐induced leukoencephalopathy. Case Presentation The patient was diagnosed with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) infiltrating the pharyngeal lesion. Rituximab + methotrexate + oncovin + procarbazine (R‐MPV) therapy, a methotrexate‐containing chemotherapy, was initiated. At the end of the fifth course, the patient attempted suicide by hanging with an appliance cord, which was associated with delusion. A head MRI scan showed no evidence of lymphoma recurrence, but white matter lesions around the ventricles showed progression. Conclusion We report the case of a patient in whom drug‐induced leukoencephalopathy related to methotrexate led to a suicide attempt. In addition to monitoring brain tumors, daily monitoring of psychiatric and neurological symptoms is important for patients with methotrexate‐induced encephalopathy.