Regression of chronic posterior leukoencephalopathy after stop of methotrexate treatment

Neurol Sci. 2009 Oct;30(5):375-8. doi: 10.1007/s10072-009-0119-6. Epub 2009 Jul 21.

Abstract

Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy (PRLE) is a neurological disorder caused by a variety of pathological conditions such as high doses or long-term low-doses of immunosuppressive therapy. PRLE associated with methotrexate (MTX) is well known but it was rarely observed in adult patients submitted to long-term low-dose administration via the oral route. Here we report the case of a patient affected by psoriasis, treated by chronic oral low-dose of MTX, who presented with limb ideomotor apraxia. Magnetic resonance (MRI) of the brain showed, on T2-weighted images, a diffuse hyperintensity involving bilaterally the white matter of the occipital, parietal and frontal lobes. MTX treatment was stopped and, at the 6-month follow-up, the neuropsychological performances was improved. Two years later, the neuropsychological profile was normal and MRI showed a regression of the white matter abnormalities.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Apraxia, Ideomotor / chemically induced
  • Cerebral Cortex / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy
  • Remission, Spontaneous*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Methotrexate