Tacrolimus-induced severe headache associated with diffuse leukoencephalopathy: Evidence for an immune-mediated pathogenesis

J Neuroimmunol. 2019 May 15:330:55-58. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.01.006. Epub 2019 Feb 21.

Abstract

Tacrolimus-induced encephalopathy presents with acute neurological symptoms such as headache, seizures, visual disturbances, hemiplegia, and altered mental status. A 60-year-old woman, presented to our clinic with a 4-month history of severe headache. She recently underwent kidney transplantation and was taking tacrolimus. MRI scan showed diffuse and symmetric alterations involving both supratentorial and infratentorial white matter. Cerebral spinal fluid assessment for infectious diseases were negative but elevated total protein level and oligoclonal bands positivity were reported. Treatment with steroid bolus, along with tacrolimus tapering, provided clinico-radiological improvement. This is the first case of tacrolimus-induced neurotoxicity strongly suggestive of an immune-mediated pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Headache / chemically induced*
  • Headache / diagnostic imaging*
  • Headache / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Leukoencephalopathies / chemically induced*
  • Leukoencephalopathies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Leukoencephalopathies / immunology
  • Middle Aged
  • Tacrolimus / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tacrolimus