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.

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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
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article

5-Fluorouracil-Induced Acute Toxic Leukoencephalopathy: A Rare Adverse Effect and Its Early Detection on MRI

Aisha Ambreen, Khalid Javed, Muhammad Atif Naveed, Nasim Chaudhry et al.
1 citations
Cureus
Colorectal Cancer Treatments and Studies
1.05
article

5-Fluorouracil-Induced Acute Toxic Leukoencephalopathy: A Rare Adverse Effect and Its Early Detection on MRI

Aisha Ambreen, Khalid Javed, Muhammad Atif Naveed, Nasim Chaudhry, Muhammad Qasim Naeem
article en
1 citations

Abstract

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.

CureusVol. 17(11)
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center (PK)
Openalex Percentile: Top 15%
Colorectal Cancer Treatments and Studies
1.05
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5-Fluorouracil-Induced Acute Toxic Leukoencephalopathy: A Rare Adverse Effect and Its Early Detection on MRI — Aisha Ambreen, Khalid Javed, et al. · Cureus (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS