Intrathecal methotrexate-induced aseptic meningitis in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract

The central nervous system is often a site of spread for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). ALL is often treated with ongoing intrathecal chemotherapy with the most common regimens including methotrexate and/or cytarabine. Uncommonly, intrathecal methotrexate has been associated with stroke-like symptoms. To the author’s knowledge, we present the first reported case of a patient who developed symptoms more akin to bacterial meningitis than stroke-like symptoms as a consequence of intrathecal methotrexate chemotherapy.