Clinical features and magnetic resonance image analysis of 15 cases of demyelinating leukoencephalopathy 
induced by levamisole

Yan,Ruifang; Wu,Qingwu; Ren,Jipeng; Cui,Hongkai; Zhai,Kaihua; Zhai,Zhansheng; Duan,Qinghong

doi:10.3892/etm.2013.1077

Clinical features and magnetic resonance image analysis of 15 cases of demyelinating leukoencephalopathy induced by levamisole

Authors:
- Ruifang Yan
- Qingwu Wu
- Jipeng Ren
- Hongkai Cui
- Kaihua Zhai
- Zhansheng Zhai
- Qinghong Duan
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Affiliations: Center of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China, Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China, Department of Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
Published online on: April 24, 2013 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2013.1077
Pages: 71-74

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for levamisole‑induced demyelinating leukoencephalopathy. The clinical features and MRI findings of 15 patients with levamisole‑induced demyelinating leukoencephalopathy were retrospectively analyzed. The abnormality rate of the patients was demonstrated to be 100% by MRI, and scattered multiple cerebral foci were observed in all of the patients. The majority of the foci were located at the centrum ovale, peri‑lateral cerebral ventricles and basal ganglia, while the remainder were located in the brain stem and cerebellum, as well as in the white matter regions of the temporal, frontal, apical and occipital lobes. In addition, mottling and ring‑shaped enhancements were observed. The study demonstrated that MRI effectively displays demyelinating leukoencephalopathy, and that the combination of MRI with the medical history of the patient is of significance for the early diagnosis, differentiation and treatment of demyelinating leukoencephalopathy.

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