Ifosfamide-induced nonconvulsive status epilepticus
W. J. Wengs, D. Talwar and J. Bernard
Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
We report the first case of nonconvulsive status epilepticus as a
complication of chemotherapy with the nitrogen mustard derivative
ifosfamide. Our patient developed encephalopathy, upper extremity
myoclonus, and a periodic, triphasic electroencephalogic pattern that
resolved acutely with intravenous diazepam treatment. Since significant
morbidity and mortality is associated with unrecognized status epilepticus,
electroencephalogic monitoring and a trial of diazepam is indicated in
encephalopathic patients with rhythmic electroencephalogic patterns while
receiving treatment with ifosfamide.
