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Intracranial hemorrhage following intrathecal methotrexate therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

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Abstract

Background

Acute toxic leukoencephalopathy following intrathecal methotrexate administration is well documented but intracranial haemorrhage is extremely rare.

Case Characteristics

A 2½-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed sudden onset neurological deterioration following intrathecal methotrexate.

Observations

Computed tomography scan of brain demonstrated intraventricular and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Outcome

Child improved gradually on conservative management. Follow-up neuroimaging showed resolution of hemorrhage.

Message

Intracranial haemorrhage is a rare but serious complication of intrathecal methotrexate.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. From Department of Pediatric Medicine, NRS Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

    Radheshyam Purkait, Chinmoy Lath & Biswajit Das

  2. From Department of Haematology, NRS Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

    Tuphan Kanti Dolai

Authors
  1. Radheshyam Purkait
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  2. Tuphan Kanti Dolai
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  3. Chinmoy Lath
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  4. Biswajit Das
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Radheshyam Purkait.

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Purkait, R., Dolai, T.K., Lath, C. et al. Intracranial hemorrhage following intrathecal methotrexate therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Indian Pediatr 53, 423–424 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-016-0866-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-016-0866-4

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