Methotrexate leukoencephalopathy presenting as Klüver-Bucy syndrome and uncinate seizures

Pediatr Neurol. 2002 Apr;26(4):305-8. doi: 10.1016/s0887-8994(01)00376-9.

Abstract

Methotrexate causes several biochemical changes that impact the nervous system. The neurotoxicity usually affects the cerebral white matter, causing a leukoencephalopathy that can be chronic and progressive with cognitive decline. A 15-year-old male developed olfactory seizures and behavioral abnormalities (hypersexuality, placidity, and memory disturbances) compatible with partial Klüver-Bucy syndrome after treatment for central nervous system leukemia with intraventricular methotrexate. A magnetic resonance imaging study revealed evidence of white matter disease affecting both temporal lobes. A brain biopsy revealed a necrotizing encephalopathy compatible with methotrexate-related white matter injury. It may be prudent to verify normal cerebrospinal fluid dynamics before the administration of intraventricular methotrexate in children with a history of central nervous system leukemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / adverse effects*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Epilepsies, Partial / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Epilepsies, Partial / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Kluver-Bucy Syndrome / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Kluver-Bucy Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Leukemia / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Leukemia / drug therapy
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Methotrexate