Ventral polyradiculopathy with pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2002

Abstract

A 3-year-old girl with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in remission developed lower extremity paraparesis and areflexia 15 days after receiving intrathecal methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone. Cerebrospinal fluid protein was 107 mg/dl. Compound muscle action potential amplitudes were reduced, F waves were absent, and sensory conduction studies were normal. Needle electromyography (EMG) revealed reduced motor unit potential recruitment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed lumbosacral ventral root enhancement. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and slowly recovered. Nerve conduction and EMG abnormalities correlated with MRI root enhancement, facilitated early diagnosis, and distinguished this from a myelopathy or distal polyneuropathy. These findings could represent selective ventral nerve root vulnerability to intrathecal chemotherapy. A selective autoimmune process cannot be excluded.

Volume

25

Issue

1

First Page

106

Last Page

110

ISSN

0148-639X

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics

PubMedID

11754193

Department(s)

Department of Pediatrics

Document Type

Article

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