Yu-Chen Cheng1, Helen L Po. 1. Department of Neurology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. vattmo@gmail.com
Abstract
PURPOSE: Levamisole is an antihelmintic and immunomodulator used as a dewormer and in combination with other forms of chemotherapy to treat colon cancer, melanoma, and head and neck cancer. It has also been used for treating dermatologic disorders such as verrucae. However, its benefits remain controversial and serious side effects such as central nervous system toxicity are unexpected. CASE REPORT: Multifocal leukoencephalopathy developed in a 26-year-old man after levamisole treatment for verrucae. He recovered completely after discontinuation of the offending drug and treatment with steroid and plasmapheresis. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of this neurotoxicity in order to provide early diagnosis and treatment and thereby improve outcome.
PURPOSE:Levamisole is an antihelmintic and immunomodulator used as a dewormer and in combination with other forms of chemotherapy to treat colon cancer, melanoma, and head and neck cancer. It has also been used for treating dermatologic disorders such as verrucae. However, its benefits remain controversial and serious side effects such as central nervous system toxicity are unexpected. CASE REPORT: Multifocal leukoencephalopathy developed in a 26-year-old man after levamisole treatment for verrucae. He recovered completely after discontinuation of the offending drug and treatment with steroid and plasmapheresis. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of this neurotoxicity in order to provide early diagnosis and treatment and thereby improve outcome.