Successful therapeutic rechallenge after a severe episode of high dose methotrexate-induced choreoathetosis: A case report

Mol Clin Oncol. 2019 Oct;11(4):354-358. doi: 10.3892/mco.2019.1898. Epub 2019 Jul 16.

Abstract

Methotrexate (MTX) is an essential chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of malignancies, but it is known to cause complications to the central nervous system. We report a case of severe MTX neurotoxicity in an adult presenting with choreoathetosis despite a normal clearance of MTX. High dose-MTX has been successfully rechallenged without any neurological sequelae. We reviewed the relevant literature of similar manifestations and summarized their clinical data, magnetic resonance imaging features and treatment given. None of them has recurrence of neurotoxicity. We concluded that it is safe to persist with MTX even after a previous episode of toxic leukoencephalopathy.

Keywords: choreoathetosis; leukoencephalopathy; methotrexate; neurotoxicity.