The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
2021 , Vol 63 , Num 2
Rare presentation of levamisole-induced leukoencephalopathy in a pediatric patient: seizure
1 Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
DOI :
10.24953/turkjped.2021.02.017
Background. Levamisole is an imidazole derivative used in the treatment of various cancers, dermatological
diseases, and parasitosis. Illegal use of levamisole by mixing it with cocaine in order to increase the psychotropic
effects has also increased in recent years. Leukoencephalopathy is one of levamisole`s most prominent
neurological side effects.Case. Here we present the clinical, laboratory, imaging findings, treatment, and follow-up information of a 12-year-old girl who presented with seizures due to levamisole, which was prescribed to treat vitiligo.
Conclusion. Levamisole-induced leukoencephalopathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of demyelinating diseases, the neurotoxic effects of the drug should be well understood, and treatment should be initiated as soon as possible.
Keywords : levamisole, demyelinating diseases, leukoencephalopathies, seizure, vitiligo, cocaine