The confused cancer patient: A case of 5-fluorouracil-induced encephalopathy

Abstract

The fluorinated pyrimidine 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an anticancer agent used in most adjuvant and palliative treatment regimens for colorectal cancer. Neurotoxicities are considered extremely rare side effects of 5-FU. Here, we report a case of 5-FU-induced encephalopathy, manifesting as seizures and delirium, in an era of oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy. If ammonia levels are elevated, lactulose may be considered in the initial management of neuropsychiatric complications from 5-FU. Copyright © 2008 Multimed Inc.