Oxaliplatin-Induced Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Oxaliplatin-induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), first introduced in 1996, is a neurotoxic state characterised by seizures, headache, vision change, paresis, nausea and altered mental status. Risk factors include hypertension, eclampsia/pre-eclampsia, infection/sepsis and cancer chemotherapy. Although exposure to toxic agents is a common occurrence in patients who develop PRES, oxaliplatin has rarely been associated with it, with only 10 cases reported worldwide. We present the case of an oxaliplatin-induced PRES in a 23-year-old male patient who was started on oxaliplatin/capecitabine as adjuvant chemotherapy for anal canal adenocarcinoma. The patient developed symptoms of headache, slurred speech and left-sided facial weakness on the ninth day after the first dose of oxaliplatin that lasted for 6-8 hours. The patient experienced another episode next day with similar symptoms that lasted for 8 hours. Oxaliplatin was withheld and the patient was discharged on capecitabine only. The patient had no new episodes since discharge on follow-up.

Tonic-Clonic Seizure following Cytoreductive Surgery with Intraperitoneal Oxaliplatin: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy (HIPEC) is believed to improve outcomes in well-selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. However, morbidity and mortality rates associated with this procedure are substantial. Here, we describe the case of a previously healthy young man who underwent CRS with hyperthermic IP oxaliplatin and developed one episode of tonic-clonic seizure on the second postoperative day.