Cyclosporine A toxicity presenting with acute cerebellar edema and brainstem compression. Case report

J Neurosurg. 1995 Jun;82(6):1068-70. doi: 10.3171/jns.1995.82.6.1068.

Abstract

A 38-year-old man receiving cyclosporine A after bilateral lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis presented with cortical blindness, generalized seizures, and cerebellar edema. Progressive brainstem compression necessitated emergency posterior fossa decompression. Replacement of cyclosporine A with an alternative immunosuppressive agent, FK506, was followed by rapid neurological recovery and dramatic resolution of radiographic abnormalities. The etiology, clinical features, and radiographic findings of cyclosporine A neurotoxicity are discussed. The pertinent literature is reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Blindness / chemically induced
  • Brain Edema / chemically induced*
  • Brain Stem*
  • Cerebellar Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Cyclosporine / poisoning*
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use
  • Cystic Fibrosis / surgery
  • Humans
  • Lung Transplantation
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / etiology*
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / surgery
  • Postoperative Care

Substances

  • Cyclosporine