Various side effects associated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) which is used for cryopreservation of bone marrow or peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) have been reported. Among the central nervous system side effects the epileptic seizures, stroke, transient and temporary leucoencephalopathy, and global amnesia are well known. Herein we report a 52-year-old man who experienced tonic-clonic seizure within minutes after the initiation of DMSO cryopreserved autologous PBPC infusion. Unfortunately, he also developed cardiac arrest and required intubation for ventilation after the seizure. Pathophysiology of acute neurological and cardiac toxicity is unclear, but may also be idiosyncratic. Clinicians should be aware of the toxicity of cryoprotectant agents during PBSC infusion. Determining the risk factors associated with increased DMSO toxicity and taking preventive actions is utmost important.
Keywords: Autologous stem cell; Dimethyl sulfoxide; Tonic–clonic seizure.