Impairment of the blood-brain barrier can result in tacrolimus-induced reversible leucoencephalopathy following heart transplantation

Clin Transplant. 2003 Oct;17(5):469-72. doi: 10.1034/j.1399-0012.2003.00071.x.

Abstract

Fatal leucoencephalopathy is a rare calcineurin inhibitor-related complication, especially in kidney and liver transplant recipients. The only means of clinical management reported so far is the discontinuation or reduction in the calcineurin inhibitor. We herein report a case of a 37-yr-old male who developed leucoencephalopathy 12 wk after heart transplantation and recovered after stabilization of metabolism and arterial blood pressure. The findings in this case support the hypothesis that tacrolimus-associated neurotoxicity is severely increased by an impairment of the blood-brain barrier. Withdrawal of tacrolimus was not necessary while other causes of endothelial injury were treated successfully.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / drug effects*
  • Brain Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors
  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Tacrolimus / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Calcineurin Inhibitors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tacrolimus