Pseudodegenerative Disease Due to Diphenylhydantoin Intoxication

Abstract

A VARIETY of neurological signs may be seen in the patient acutely or chronically intoxicated with diphenylhydantoin sodium (Dilantin). These may appear even with conventional dosages, and, if not recognized, may lead to an extensive, but unwarranted, evaluation for a progressive neurological condition. This report describes four children whose clinical picture of a progressive or degenerative neurological disease prompted diagnostic admission. In each instance, the clinical syndrome was demonstrated to be an unfamiliar or unrecognized manifestation of diphenylhydantoin intoxication. It is the purpose of this report to emphasize that diphenylhydantoin toxicity may mimic a degenerative neurologic disease, and may not be readily diagnosed because of the following reasons: (1) Toxicity may occur with conventional or previously tolerated dosages. (2) Coexisting neurological disease may alter the manifestations of toxicity or impede their recognition. (3) The classical signs of toxicity may not be demonstrable, particularly in younger children. Report of Cases Case