5-Fluorouracil-Induced Acute Toxic Leukoencephalopathy: A Rare Adverse Effect and Its Early Detection on MRI
This case report discusses a rare occurrence of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced encephalopathy, an adverse effect of this commonly used antimetabolite and antineoplastic agent. While 5-FU is primarily associated with systemic side effects such as gastrointestinal issues and neutropenia, its cerebral involvement is infrequently documented. Diagnostic imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are essential for diagnosing and monitoring this condition. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for a favorable prognosis. We present a case of 5-FU-induced encephalopathy, which was successfully diagnosed based on clinical and MRI findings.
Authors
- Aisha Ambreen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8006-0307)
- Khalid Javed (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7610-9967)
- Muhammad Atif Naveed (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7659-9027)
- Nasim Chaudhry (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4142-868X)
- Muhammad Qasim Naeem
Institutions
- Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center (PK)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cureus
- Published
- 2025-11-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.98058
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Colorectal Cancer Treatments and Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.05