Life-threatening parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome following bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus

Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia, a rare consequence of deep brain stimulator malfunction in advanced Parkinson's disease

Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome (PHS) is a rare neurological emergency that shares clinical features with neuroleptic malignant syndrome. It is usually due to sudden deprivation of dopaminergic treatment, although there are cases related to failure of the deep brain stimulation system.

Parkinsonism-Hyperpyrexia Syndrome: A Case Series and Literature Review

Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome (PHS) is a rare, potentially fatal neurological emergency, that is seen in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients and mimics neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The most common trigger for PHS is sudden withdrawal of anti-parkinsonian medications, specifically levodopa. However, it can also be due to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device malfunction. In this work, we describe three cases of PHS; the first of which is related to DBS battery depletion, and the remaining two to dopaminergic withdrawal. Additionally, we will include the results of a literature review on PHS, its etiologies, presentation, and management.

Parkinsonism-Hyperpyrexia Syndrome and Dyskinesia-Hyperpyrexia Syndrome in Parkinson's Disease: Two Cases and Literature Review

Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome (PHS) and dyskinesia-hyperpyrexia syndrome (DHS) are rare but exhibit life-threatening complications in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We herein presented two cases of PD patients and performed a comprehensive and comparative literature review for these two syndromes. The first case was diagnosed as PHS with cerebral salt wasting syndrome caused by abrupt withdrawal of antiparkinsonian medication. Her symptoms were gradually remitted with reinstitution of the medication. The second one was an early-stage PD patient diagnosed as DHS in association with abuse of antiparkinsonian drugs. Her symptoms were gradually remitted with reduced dosage of dopaminergic drugs. Results of literature reviews revealed a total of 56 and 13 cases of PHS and DHS, respectively, and they were more likely to occur in elderly and long-term PD patients. These two syndromes showed different female-to-male ratio, similar mortality, and different recovery time. There were stark differences between PHS and DHS, including triggers (abrupt drug stoppage versus drug abuse), symptoms (worsened tremor and rigidity versus continuous dyskinesia), and treatment (drug reinstitution versus drug reduction). In summary, our reports and the review provide new insights into PHS and DHS in association with PD and may facilitate rapid discrimination of the syndromes for timely and proper treatment to reduce mortality.

Malignant deep brain stimulator withdrawal syndrome

Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome (PHS) is a neurologic potentially fatal emergency that mimics neuroleptic malignant syndrome. It commonly presents as systemic inflammatory response syndrome, acute onset worsening of muscular rigidity, autonomic instability, hyperpyrexia, confusion, diaphoresis and high creatine phosphokinase. The most common trigger for PHS is reduction or withdrawal of anti-Parkinson’s medications, especially levodopa. It was also reported in a few cases following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus surgery shortly after anti-Parkinson’s medications were discontinued. Rare causes of PHS include deep brain stimulator (DBS) malfunction due to battery depletion. To the best of our knowledge, PHS following DBS battery depletion was reported only in three occasions. Here, we report a case of PHS due to DBS battery depletion presented as sepsis and was successfully treated with the administration of dopamine agonists, intravenous fluids and changing the DBS battery.