A unique presentation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) induced cerebral encephalopathy

Abstract

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a commonly used antimetabolite and antineoplastic agent, has been approved for the treatment of various cancers. It is associated with systemic side-effects such as gastrointestinal problems, neutropenia. 5-FU-related encephalopathy is very rarely reported. Imaging with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a key role in diagnosing and monitoring the changes. Since the prognosis of cerebral involvement is usually good if recognized and treated in time, the reporting radiologist and treating physician should be familiar with them. We present a rare case of 5-FU-induced encephalopathy that was diagnosed based on her clinical and MRI findings and managed successfully.

Keywords

• chemotherapy
• drug-induced encephalopathy
• encephalopathy
• 5-fluorouracil