https://researchopenworld.com/car-t-neurotoxicity-causing-severe-brain-oedema-and-tonsillar-herniation-in-a-young-child-with-relapse-all-a-case-report/#

Abstract

Background: Cellular immunotherapy with autologous T cells genetically engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors is emerging as a promising new class of immunotherapeutic agents, however may cause unique symptoms of neuro-toxicity, such as toxic encephalopathic state with symptoms of confusion and delirium, and occasionally seizures and cerebral oedema. presentation : Hereby, we report a case of a 4-year-old boy, with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and refractory CNS involvement, which was treated with CAR T-cells. The patient developed severe encephalopathy, high fever and seizures, and was treated with steroids and anticonvulsants. Nevertheless, the patient rapidly deteriorated and developed diffused brain oedema and herniation of cerebellar tonsils. the patient showed no neurological improvement and suffered brain death. Conclusion: Neurotoxicity is an important and common complication of CAR-T cell therapies. Usually, severe neurological symptoms are manageable in most patients, which respond to standard interventions. Early detection of neurological deterioration is of paramount importance, and pediatric intensivists should consider pre-emptive management for brain oedema, even prior to radiological evidence. Randomized prospective studies of treatment algorithms are urgently needed to improve patient monitoring and management.