CEREBELLAR INFARCTION AFTER INTRA-ARTERIAL INFUSION CHEMOTHERAPY : A CASE REPORT

Abstract

We report a case of cerebellar infarction after infra-arterial infusion chemotherapy. A 74-year-old man complained of discomfort in his throat. A biopsy of the right palatum molle showed a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (T2N0M0) on the lateral pharyngeal wall of the mesopharynx. The administration of cisplatin through the femoral artery caused hypertension, numbness in the arms, and heavy sweating. The onset of headache and double vision occurred on day 1. Disorientation and dysarthria continued from day 2 onwards. A CT scan revealed a right cerebellar infarction caused by the occlusion of the vertebral artery. After spinal drainage, incomplete left-side paralysis persisted. Stenosis of the common carotid artery should be ruled out using an electrogram prior to intra-arterial infusion procedures to prevent cerebral accidents.