Clinical and EEG characteristics of ifosfamide-related encephalopathy Journal Article


Authors: Gusdon, A. M.; Malani, R.; Chen, X.
Article Title: Clinical and EEG characteristics of ifosfamide-related encephalopathy
Abstract: PURPOSE: Ifosfamide can lead to a syndrome of central nervous system toxicity. Here, we investigate the clinical and EEG characteristics of patients with ifosfamide-related encephalopathy. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected on patients from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who developed encephalopathy associated with ifosfamide between 2007 and 2017. Patients who had an EEG performed were included. Clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively collected. Each EEG recording was reviewed and compared with the originally documented EEG report. RESULTS: Sixteen patients with ifosfamide-related encephalopathy were included, with primary tumors consisting of lymphoma (N = 9), sarcoma (N = 4), poorly differentiated ovarian cancer (N = 1), neuroblastoma (N = 1), and papillary serous adenocarcinoma (N = 1). Laboratory results ruled out other etiologies of encephalopathy. Generalized periodic discharges with or without triphasic morphology were seen most commonly (N = 9), with a distinct pattern of interspersed intermittent background attenuation seen in five patients. Background slowing and intermittent rhythmic delta activity (N = 4), bursts of bilateral synchronized delta activity (N = 2), and frontal predominant intermittent delta activity (N = 1) were also seen. One patient demonstrated a pattern consistent with nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Although most patients experienced resolution of symptoms, those who died demonstrated a variety of EEG abnormalities. Abnormal movements were common, with six patients demonstrating characteristic orofacial myoclonus. CONCLUSIONS: Ifosfamide-related encephalopathy commonly results in a distinct pattern of generalized periodic discharges admixed with intermittent background attenuation on EEG. Abnormal movements, in particular orofacial myoclonus, are also common. Recognizing these clinical and EEG features might lead to early detection of ifosfamide-related encephalopathy.
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology
Volume: 36
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0736-0258
Publisher: American Clinical Neurophysiology Society  
Date Published: 2019-03-01
Start Page: 150
End Page: 154
Language: English
DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000539
PUBMED: 30694943
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC7856922
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 April 2019 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Xi Chen
    31 Chen
  2. Rachna Malani
    38 Malani
  3. Aaron Gusdon
    1 Gusdon