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5-FU-induced leukoencephalopathy with reversible lesion of splenium of corpus callosum in a patient with colorectal cancer.

Gyanendra AcharyaMaria T Cruz CarrerasTerry Wynne Rice
Published in: BMJ case reports (2017)
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a commonly used antimetabolite and antineoplastic agent, has been approved for treatment of various cancers. Neurotoxicities are considered extremely rare side effects of 5-FU. We present a case of 5-FU-induced encephalopathy with diffusion-restricted reversible lesion of the splenium of the corpus callosum in a patient with colorectal cancer. The patient presented with confusion, dysarthria and agitation after 5-FU infusion. The prognosis of this toxic effects of 5-FU is usually good if recognised and treated in time. Emergency physicians, general practitioners and oncologists should be aware of this rare side effects of 5-FU chemotherapy and its diagnosis and treatment.
Keyphrases
  • case report
  • primary care
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  • diabetic rats
  • public health
  • emergency department
  • low dose
  • squamous cell carcinoma
  • young adults
  • locally advanced
  • rectal cancer
  • newly diagnosed
  • advanced cancer