Leukoencephalopathy induced by low-dose methotrexate in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Intern Med. 2011;50(19):2219-22. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.50.5552. Epub 2011 Oct 1.

Abstract

We report a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who developed leukoencephalopathy while being treated with low-dose methotrexate (MTX). She suddenly developed loss of recent memory and left homonymous hemianopsia ascribable to the bilateral but right-predominant occipitotemporal lesions. Intravenous administration of dexamethasone and cessation of MTX quickly relieved her clinical symptoms. Low-dose MTX-induced leukoencephalopathy is a rare complication in RA, but is important with regard to the possibility of serious neurological sequellae.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antirheumatic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukoencephalopathies / chemically induced*
  • Leukoencephalopathies / diagnosis
  • Leukoencephalopathies / drug therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Dexamethasone
  • Methotrexate