Intractable myoclonic seizures in an allogeneic stem cell transplant recipient: A rare case of myoclonic epilepsy

Abstract

Introduction: Myoclonus may be a rare complication of stem cell transplant but has limited discussion in the scientific literature. Case: We present a case of an acute myeloid leukemia survivor who developed refractory myoclonic epilepsy four years after graft versus host disease (GVHD) developed six days following matched unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Discussion: Graft versus host disease occurs in 30–50% of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients and may cause pharmacoresistant myoclonic epilepsy; however, the mechanisms by which GVHD leads to recurrent myoclonic seizures are not well understood (Lee, 2005) [1]. The paucity of clinical reports of such manifestation makes it difficult to diagnose and effectively manage these patients.

Keywords

• GVHD
• Allogeneic transplants
• Myoclonus
• Epilepsy
• Seizure