Transient neurological disturbances induced by the chemotherapy of high-dose methotrexate for osteogenic sarcoma

Anticancer Drugs. 1994 Aug;5(4):480-2. doi: 10.1097/00001813-199408000-00015.

Abstract

Temporary neurologic abnormalities were observed in one out of 23 patients undergoing chemotherapy with high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) for osteogenic sarcoma. This patient developed sequential symptoms including alternative hemiparesis, dysarthria and altered consciousness 5 days after the second course of HD-MTX (8 gm/m2 by 6 h continuous infusion) with leucovorin rescue. Laboratory evaluations disclosed normal electrolytes, hemograms and non-toxic serum MTX levels at the onset of the symptoms. Computed tomography of the brain was normal but electroencephalography showed focal theta and delta slow waves over the right temporal-parietal-occipital area. The neurological symptoms resolved completely within 72 h.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bone Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Leucovorin / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use*
  • Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Osteosarcoma / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Leucovorin
  • Methotrexate