Two Cases of Reversible Leukoencephalopathy, Caused by 5-Fluorouracil, Presenting as Akinetic Mutism

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 7(1); 1989 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 1989;7(1): 165-171.

5-FU 제제로 인하여 무동성 무언증을 보인 가역적 백질뇌병증 2예

이세진, 최경찬,하정상,변영주,박충서,이상도,박영춘

영남대학교 신경과. 계명대학교 신경과.

Two Cases of Reversible Leukoencephalopathy, Caused by 5-Fluorouracil, Presenting as Akinetic Mutism

Se-Jin Lee,M.D., Kyung-Chan Choi,M.D., Jung-Sang hah,M.D., Yeung-Ju Byun,M.D., Choong-Seo park,M.D.

Department of neurology , College of medicine, YoungNam University Department of neurology , College of medicine, Keimyung University

Abstract

We experinced 2 cases of reversible leukoencephalopathy, caused by 5-Fluorouracil derivatives(carmoful), presenting as akinetic mutism. Each patient was diagnosed as colon cancer and stomach cancer respectively and received operations. Their outcome was good without metastatic evidences, and carmoful was started orally 400mg in 1 case and 600mg in the other. Their clinical pictures were akinetic mutism, one and two months after the administration of carmoful. There were no metastatic lesions in the brain CT but bilaterally symmetric diffuse low densities of cerebral whites matter, predominantly in the frontal area, were noted. Carmoful was discontinued and replaced by conservative treatment. One and two months later, their clinical symptoms improved without specific treatment. Follow up brain CT was done in case 2, which revealed attenuation of the previous low densities.