5-Fluorouracil associated encephalopathy: Case report 5-Fluorouracil associated encephalopathy: Case report 5-Fluorouracil associated encephalopathy: Case report 5-Fluorouracil associated encephalopathy: Case report 5-Fluorouracil associated encephalopathy: Case report

Fluorouracil is an analogue of fluorinated pyramidine commonly used in the treatment of several cancers. After rapid intravenous injection, fluorouracil rapidly diffuses into all body compartments, including the nervous system. The drug is primarily degraded by the liver. The toxicity of 5-FU is strongly influenced by the dosage used and the rate and duration of drug administration. Neurologic toxicity manifested by somnolence, confusion, seizures, cerebellar ataxia and rarely encephalopathy are known but uncommon. They are usually totally reversible on withdrawal of drug. Leucovorin which is commonly combined with 5-FU enhances the antitumor activity as well as toxicity.