Abstract

INTRATHECAL CYTARABINE INDUCED HYDROCEPHALUS FOLLOWED BY SEIZURE

Raina Sebastian*, Dijo Wilson, K. Menaka and T. Sivakumar

ABSTRACT

Cytarabine (cytosine arabinose) is a nucleoside analogue that is approved by the FDA in June 1969 for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and Meningeal leukemia (ML). In addition, it is used for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma, malignant meningitis, mantle cell lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Intrathecal use of Cytarabine can be associated with a mild chemical meningitis, It is more common with the liposomal, sustained-release preparation of Cytarabine (i.e., DepoCyt), and can recur with subsequent doses of the drug. Rarely, seizures, acute myelopathy and confessional syndromes can occur with Intrathecal usage. Acute cerebellar syndrome can be caused by high doses of cytarabine. Acute cerebellar syndrome include acute obstructive hydrocephalus (AOH) represents a life -threatening event in which clinical presentation is often non- specific but may include severe headache, vomiting and lethargy. The present study reports on the Acute obstructive hydrocephalus (AOH), developed in a patient with lymphoblastic leukemia during induction of chemotherapy period which was identified and confirmed on MRI scan when patient had an unexpected episode of abnormal movements and development of seizure disorder.

Keywords: Cytarabine (cytosine arabinose) movements and development of seizure disorder.