Abstract

VELASQUEZ, Juan Carlos et al. Encephalopathy induced by 5-fluorouracil The same agent, two different entities. Acta Med Colomb [online]. 2015, vol.40, n.4, pp.345-348. ISSN 0120-2448.

The neurotoxicity of anticancer drugs is a relatively common phenomenon, occurring mainly on the peripheral nervous system, most commonly with cytotoxic drugs such as platinum, taxanes and vinca derivatives. Toxicity on the central nervous system associated with the use of 5-fluorouracil is on the contrary a rare event, which does not make it less important. The clinician must learn to recognize and treat the two varieties of this medical condition: acute encephalopathy and sub-acute leukoencephalopathy, each with different pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and treatment. The following case presentation illustrates these two varieties and provides diagnostic and therapeutic elements for each one of them. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 338-344).

Keywords : Fluorouracil; leukoencephalopathies; toxicity; hyperammonemia; thiamine deficiency.

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