Dysarthria and apraxia of speech associated with FK-506 (tacrolimus).

Abstract

The immunosuppressive agent FK-506 (tacrolimus) is one of the agents most commonly used to prevent rejection after liver transplantation. Neurologic toxicity related to FK-506 has been reported, including speech disorders; however, a detailed analysis of the speech disorder associated with use of FK-506 has not been presented. Herein we describe a patient who exhibited mutism, then severe apraxia of speech with a concomitant hypokinetic, spastic, and ataxic dysarthria after administration of FK-506. His residual mixed dysarthria, without radiographic evidence of a structural lesion, suggests dysfunction of one or more neurochemical systems. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying this intriguing entity remain obscure.

• Authors: B F Boeve, D W Kimmel, A E Aronson, P C de Groen
• Journal: Mayo Clinic proceedings (Mayo Clin Proc) Vol. 71 Issue 10 Pg. 969-72 (Oct 1996) ISSN: 0025-6196 [Print] England
• PMID: 8820772 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Tacrolimus

Topics

• Apraxias (chemically induced, physiopathology)
• Dysarthria (chemically induced, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (adverse effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Speech (drug effects)
• Speech Disorders (chemically induced, physiopathology)
• Tacrolimus (adverse effects)