Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in early stage of 5-fluorouracil-induced leukoencephalopathy.

Abstract

We report a case of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced leukoencephalopathy in which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), was performed serially. The initial T2-weighted and FLAIR images showed diffuse mild hyperintensity in bilateral deep cerebral white matter and corpus callosum, which on T1WI appeared as non-enhanced faint hypointensity. Isotropic DWI disclosed the abnormality as well-conspicuous diffuse hyperintensity with decreased ADC. Serial studies revealed that majority of the abnormal signal intensity on these sequences resolved, and the decreased ADC values approached normal. Some hyperintensity remained in the deep cerebral white matter and the splenium, but no further significant ADC change after normalization was noted. Measurement of ADC along the three orthogonal directions showed the presence of directional dependence of diffusion throughout the length of study. These findings suggest that early stage of 5-FU-induced leukoencephalopathy is associated with reversible restricted diffusion and preservation of anisotropy. Diffusion-weighted imaging may be useful for the diagnosis.

• Authors: K K Tha, S Terae, M Sugiura, T Nishioka, M Oka, K Kudoh, K Kaneko, K Miyasaka
• Journal: Acta neurologica Scandinavica (Acta Neurol Scand) Vol. 106 Issue 6 Pg. 379-86 (Dec 2002) ISSN: 0001-6314 [Print] Denmark
• PMID: 12460146 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright Blackwell Munksgaard 2002

Chemical References

• Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
• Fluorouracil

Topics

• Adult
• Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic (adverse effects)
• Brain (drug effects, pathology)
• Dementia, Vascular (chemically induced, pathology)
• Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Fluorouracil (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Male
• Time Factors