Fatal posterior revesible leukoencephalopathy syndrome associated coma induced by bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer and review of literature

Abstract

Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a syndrome characterized by headache, hypertension, confusion, visual disturbance, and seizures accompanied by subcortical vasogenic edema, predominantly involving the parietal and occipital lobes. The syndrome is usually described in malignant hypertension, eclampsia, renal failure, immunosuppressive, and cytotoxic chemotherapies. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been linked to PRES. We carried out review of reports documenting the occurrence of PRES in patients receiving bevacizumab. This literature review was conducted by utilizing PubMed Database. If early diagnosed, PRES is reversible. We present a case of fatal PRES-associated coma induced by bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer.

Keywords: Bevacizumab; metastatic colorectal cancer; posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome.