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Complications of Chemotherapy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

J.G. Cairncross ,
W. Pexman ,
M. Farrell ,
J.J. Gilbert  and
J. Noseworthy
J.G. Cairncross
Affiliation:
Departments of Pathology (Neuropathology), Clinincal Neurological Sciences, and Radiology, University of Western Ontario
W. Pexman*
Affiliation:
Departments of Pathology (Neuropathology), Clinincal Neurological Sciences, and Radiology, University of Western Ontario
M. Farrell*
Affiliation:
Departments of Pathology (Neuropathology), Clinincal Neurological Sciences, and Radiology, University of Western Ontario
J.J. Gilbert
Affiliation:
Departments of Pathology (Neuropathology), Clinincal Neurological Sciences, and Radiology, University of Western Ontario
J. Noseworthy
Affiliation:
Departments of Pathology (Neuropathology), Clinincal Neurological Sciences, and Radiology, University of Western Ontario
*
Pathology (Neuropathology), Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario. Canada N6A 4G5
Pathology (Neuropathology), Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario. Canada N6A 4G5
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A 2-year-old previously healthy girl presented to hospital because of irritability, fatigue, pallor and lower extremity weakness. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (non-T non-B type) was diagnosed by peripheral blood smear and bone marrow aspirate. Chemotherapy was given and included vincristine, prednisone, L-asparaginase and intrathecal methotrexate. In addition, blood and platelet transfusions were given as appropriate. A lumbar puncture showed no cells, glucose 2.7 mmol/L (normal 2.2 – 4.4 mmol/L), protein of 0.40 (normal 0.150 – 0.450 g/L).

A routine chest x-ray had shown probable spinal column anomalies subsequently confirmed on thoraco-lumbar views as splitting of the T10 and T11 vertebra with anterior fusion. Other examiners failed to demonstrate leg weakness and at discharge (5 weeks later) the child was walking normally.

Type
Clinicopathological Conference: University of Western Ontario
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 12 , Issue 2 , May 1985 , pp. 149 - 153
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1985

References

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