Cerebrovascular complications of L-asparaginase in the therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

L-asparaginase is frequently used in combination therapy for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies. We report 5 children aged between 8 and 14 years with neurologic complications presenting with headache and seizures during the first three weeks of L-asparaginase treatment. Three patients had venous thrombosis, one presented a parenchymal hemorrhage, and one showed a peculiar encephalopathy with extended cortical and subcortical lesions suggesting a neurotoxic reaction. Decreased fibrinogen and antithrombin III levels were found. Early MRI is critical even in cases with mild neurologic symptoms. Diagnosis should be followed by early cessation of l-asparaginase application.