Intrathecal Methotrexate-Induced Aseptic Meningitis in a Patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2022 Jul-Sep;12(3):211-213. doi: 10.4103/ijabmr.ijabmr_729_21. Epub 2022 Jul 26.

Abstract

The central nervous system is often a site of spread for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). ALL is often treated with ongoing intrathecal chemotherapy with the most common regimens including methotrexate and/or cytarabine. Uncommonly, intrathecal methotrexate has been associated with stroke-like symptoms. To the author's knowledge, we present the first reported case of a patient who developed symptoms more akin to bacterial meningitis than stroke-like symptoms as a consequence of intrathecal methotrexate chemotherapy.

Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; aseptic meningitis; chemotherapy; intrathecal methotrexate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports