Linezolid-Associated Posterior Reversible Leuco-encephalopathy Syndrome in a Patient with Disseminated Tuberculosis

Trop Doct. 2022 Jan;52(1):196-198. doi: 10.1177/00494755211053194. Epub 2021 Dec 6.

Abstract

Neurological side-effects of linezolid manifesting as a posterior reversible leuco-encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is rare. Early identification of this offending drug might reverse this catastrophic event. We report a 45-year-old female, who was diagnosed as a case of disseminated tuberculosis and was treated with antitubercular drugs (ATT), but later developed ATT-induced hepatitis. She was then put on modified ATT (moxifloxacin, terizidone, and linezolid). In the next two days she developed an altered sensorium. Brain imaging was suggestive of PRES. Linezolid was withdrawn, following which she showed an excellent clinical and radiological recovery.

Keywords: PRES; Tuberculosis; linezolid; magnetic resonance imaging.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linezolid / adverse effects
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome* / chemically induced
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis*

Substances

  • Linezolid