Cytomegalovirus meningoencephalitis after rituximab treatment for primary central nervous system lymphoma

Neurologist. 2015 Jan;19(2):35-7. doi: 10.1097/NRL.0b013e318287fde0.

Abstract

The efficacy and safety of rituximab against B-cell lymphomas is well established. However, there has been an increased incidence of infectious complications after rituximab treatment, mostly hepatitis B reactivation and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This is the case of a 67-year-old patient with primary central nervous system lymphoma, who developed cytomegalovirus meningoencephalitis after receiving high-dose chemotherapy and rituximab. As there was no evidence of lymphoma relapse or additional immunosuppression, besides his previous treatment, an association between rituximab and cytomegalovirus meningoencephalitis cannot be ruled out.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Meningoencephalitis / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Meningoencephalitis / chemically induced*
  • Rituximab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Rituximab