Severe and irreversible myelopathy after concurrent systemic and intrathecal nucleoside analogue treatment for refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

We report a patient with refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who developed irreversible, severe spinal neurotoxicity after concurrent treatment with intrathecal and systemic cytarabine. Shortly after concomitant administration of intrathecal triple therapy (MTX, dexamethasone and cytarabine) and high-dose systemic cytarabin (R-DHAP protocol) the patient lost control of bowel and bladder function and developed an ascending, irreversible paraplegia. Infectious or neoplastic diseases of the spinal cord were ruled out. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the spine resulted in a diagnosis of toxic myelitis. Previously observed cases of spinal neurotoxicity after cytarabine treatment are reviewed as well as current guidelines for the use of intrathecal chemotherapy in high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In summary, severe spinal neurotoxicity of intrathecal chemotherapy is a rare side-effect, however several studies suggest that the neurotoxicity of cytarabine is significantly enhanced by concurrent intrathecal and high-dose systemic administration. Simultaneous high-dose systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy with cytarabine should therefore be avoided.