MR findings in methotrexate-induced CNS abnormalities

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1989 Dec;153(6):1283-8. doi: 10.2214/ajr.153.6.1283.

Abstract

MR of the brain was performed in eight patients (mean age, 14.9 years) with osteogenic sarcoma during or after IV treatment with high-dose methotrexate. MR detected brain abnormalities in four patients, three of whom had concomitant neurologic dysfunction. Pathologic findings demonstrated on MR were (1) chronic brain edema, demonstrable over a period of 3-14 months (proved by autopsy in one patient); (2) multifocal white matter necrosis; and (3) deep brain atrophy. MR appears to be valuable in the detection of abnormalities induced by treatment with high-dose methotrexate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain Diseases / chemically induced
  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Brain Diseases / pathology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Osteosarcoma / drug therapy

Substances

  • Methotrexate