Cem PAKETÇİ, Derya OKUR, Semra HIZ, Uluç YİŞ

Rare presentation of levamisole-induced leukoencephalopathy in a pediatric patient: seizure

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.

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