Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-94fs2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-05T00:43:33.621Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Pseudoatrophy of the Brain with Valproic Acid Monotherapy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

Richard S. McLachlan*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London
*
University Hospital, 339 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 5339, Station A, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5A5
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract:

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

A patient is described who, while on valproic acid monotherapy, developed reversible shrinkage of the brain, documented by computerized tomography with associated cognitive deficit. Although pseudoatrophy has been reported with steroid therapy, this is the first implication of an anticonvulsant drug in the etiology of that condition.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1987

References

REFERENCES

1.Dreifuss, FE, Santilli, N. Valproic acid hepatic fatalities: Analysis of U.S. cases. Neurology 1986; 36(Suppl): 175.Google Scholar
2.Fenichel, GM, Greene, HL. Valproate hepatotoxicity: Two new cases, a summary of others, and recommendations. Pediat Neurol 1985; 1: 10913.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3.Jeavons, PM. Valproate. In: Woodbury, DM, Penry, JK, Pippenger, CE, ed. Antiepileptic Drugs, 2nd edition. Raven Press: New York, 1982: 601–10.Google Scholar
4.Schmidt, D. Adverse effects of valproate. Epilepsia 1984;25(Suppl): S44–9.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
5.Bentson, J, Reza, M, Winter, , et al. Steroids and apparent cerebral atrophy on computed tomography scans. J Comput Assist Tomogr 1978; 2: 1623.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
6.Carlen, PL, Wortzman, G, Holgate, RCet al. Reversible cerebral atrophy in recently abstinent chronic alcoholics measured by computed tomography scans. Science 1978; 200: 1076–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
7.Glaze, DG, Hrachovy, RA, Frost, JKet al. Computed tomography in infantile spasms: Effects of hormonal therapy. Pediat Neurol 1986; 2: 23–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
8.Heinz, ER, Martinez, J, Haenggeli, A. Reversibility of cerebral atrophy in anorexia nervosa and Cushing's Syndrome. J Comput Assist Tomogr 1977; 1:415–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
9.Lyen, KR, Holland, IM, Lyen, YC. Reversible cerebral atrophy in infantile spasms caused by corticotropin. Lancet 1979; 2:37–8.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
10.Trimble, MR, Thompson, PJ. Sodium valproate and cognitive function. Epilepsia 1984; 25 (Suppl): S60–4.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
11.Zaret, BS, Cohen, RA. Reversible valproic acid-induced dementia: A case report. Epilepsia 1986; 27: 234–40.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
12.Lagenstein, I, Willig, RP, Kuhne, D. Cranial computerized tomography (CCT) findings in children treated with ACTH and dexamethasone: First results. Neuropaediatrie 1979; 10: 370–84.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
13.Carollo, C, Marian, G, Scanarini, Met al. CT and ACTH treatment in infantile spasms. Child's Brain 1982; 9: 347–53.Google ScholarPubMed
14.Kritzler, RK, Vining, EPG, Plotnick, LP. Sodium valproate and corticotropin suppression in the child treated for seizures. J Pediatr 1983; 102: 142–43.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed