Pseudotumor cerebri in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia during treatment with all-trans retinoic acid

Intern Med. 1998 Jun;37(6):546-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.37.546.

Abstract

We report a rare case of pseudotumor cerebri associated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). An 18-year-old male was admitted to our hospital complaining of palpitations and shortness of breath; he was found to have APL. The administration of ATRA and chemotherapy was started. After 23 days, he complained of nausea, headache and double vision. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed no intracranial abnormalities. Bilateral papilledema, a symptom of increased intracranial pressure, was noted. A diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri was made. Symptoms were improved by administration of glycerin and the discontinuation of ATRA. After 29 days, a complete remission was achieved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Glycerol / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute / complications*
  • Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute / genetics
  • Male
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / diagnosis
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / drug therapy
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / etiology*
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid / genetics
  • Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha
  • Tretinoin / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • RARA protein, human
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid
  • Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha
  • Tretinoin
  • Glycerol