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A case of metronidazole-induced central and peripheral nervous system complications

Ning Wu

Departments of Neurology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA

Joseph Nguyen

Departments of Neurology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA

Aiesha Ahmed

Departments of Neurology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA

E-mail : aahmed1@hmc.psu.edu

DOI: 10.15761/CCRR.1000212

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Abstract

While metronidazole is a fairly safe and well tolerated antibiotic, it can rarely cause serious neurological adverse events, including polyneuropathy, cerebellar dysfunction, ototoxicity, seizures, visual impairment, and encephalopathy. Here we report a case of a 22-year-old male, who was treated for 2-month with metronidazole for brain abscess leading to the presentation of polyneuropathy, encephalopathy, ataxia and seizures. The Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed abnormal signal intensity involving bilateral cerebellar lobes. The electrodiagnostic study showed an axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy. His symptoms gradually improved after cessation of metronidazole with complete recovery of central nervous system manifestation in one month along with MRI resolution of cerebellar signal changes. However, the sensorimotor polyneuropathy related symptoms persisted. This case illustrates metronidazole as a rare cause of concurrent central and peripheral nervous system complications after long term treatment. The diagnosis of metronidazole toxicity was made by MRI, electrodiagnostic findings and supported clinically. The treatment is cessation of assaulting agent and medical support which in our patient led to resolution of most symptoms.

Key words

 central nervous system, electrodiagnostic study, magnetic resonance imaging, metronidazole, peripheral neuropathy

Introduction

Metronidazole is a commonly used antibiotic with potent activity against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. It is believed to cross blood-brain-barrier and penetrate central nervous system easily. While metronidazole is fairly safe and well tolerated, it can rarely cause serious neurological adverse events, including peripheral neuropathy, cerebellar dysfunction, ototoxicity, seizures, visual impairment, and encephalopathy [1,2]. It has been suggested that neurological toxicity may be related to prolonged administration, high doses, or high cumulative doses of metronidazole [3]. Here we report clinical course, MRI as well as electrodiagnostic findings consistent with concurrent central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) complications in a patient on metronidazole.  

Case report

A 22-year-old male was diagnosed with brain abscess after he presented with new onset seizure disorder. He underwent ethmoidectomy and maxillary sinusectomy with growth of gram-positive cocci in cluster and was treated with antibiotics including intra venous (IV) metronidazole, ceftriaxone, and linezolid. The initial brain MRI showed a cystic lesion measuring about 1 cm in diameter with some enhancement within a nodule on the wall, consistent with a brain abscess. He did not have significant neurological deficit initially except the generalized fatigue and subjective memory impairment.

 One month later, he developed progressive pain, numbness and tingling in bilateral lower extremities in a stocking- pattern. Linezolid was therefore switched to vancomycin which was discontinued 10 days later due to persistent symptoms. Metronidazole and ceftriaxone were continued for another month until he developed encephalopathy, recurrent seizure, ataxia, and severe gait dysfunction about 2 months after the initial presentation and was admitted for further evaluation. The pertinent exam findings revealed a lethargic young male with difficult concentrating, and short-term memory impairment. His sensory exam revealed diminished light touch, pinprick, vibration, proprioception, with hypersensitivity to temperature in distal extremities in glove stocking distribution. Hyperreflexia was noted throughout. Finger-to-nose testing revealed mild ataxia in both arms. He also had truncal ataxia and was not able stand up without assistance. A repeat brain MRI showed decreased size of previously noted abscess with new foci of abnormal enhancement along bilateral cerebellar lobes and pons (Figure 1A). The Electromyography/ nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) revealed electro-diagnostic evidence of a chronic moderate to severe sensorimotor polyneuropathy with ongoing denervation in distal muscles (Tables 1 and 2). The blood work included unremarkable thyroid function, syphilis antibody, Lyme’s antibodies, vitamin B1, B6, B12, immune-fixation test, and serum protein electrophoresis. Etiology was considered to be metronidazole use. Metronidazole was immediately discontinued given the concern of toxicity. At one month follow-up, he was able to walk without any support. His neurologic exam revealed improvement of previously noted CNS abnormalities. Follow up MRI showed interval complete resolution of cerebellar signal changes (Figure 1B).

Figure 1. A) T2 flair revealed hyperintensity in bilateral pons and cerebellar lobes. B) T2 flair revealed interval complete resolution of the pons and cerebellar signal abnormality one month after discontinuation of metronidazole.

Table 1.

Nerve

Sensory

Distal

Latency

(ms)

Sensory

Distal

Amplitude

(μV)

Motor

Distal

Latency

(ms)

Motor

Distal

Amplitude

(mV)

Motor

Conduction

Velocity

(m/s)

F Wave

Latency

(ms)

Median*

3.0 (<3.7)

6.4 (>20.0)

3.0 (<4.4)

9.56 (>4.0)

55.9 (>49.0)

25.6 (<31)

Ulnar*

2.9 (<3.5)

2.7 (>10.0)

2.5 (<3.5)

11.51 (>6.0)

53.9 (>49.0)

27.3 (<32)

Radial**

2.2 (<2.9)

8.3 (>15.0)

Peroneal†

4.1 (<6.1)

0.78 (>2.0)

42.5 (>41.0)

Tibial‡

4.3 (<6.1)

0.82 (>3.0)

47.1 (>41.0)

Sural

NR

Superficial

peroneal

NR

NR: no response. Normal values are given in parentheses.

*Stimulating wrist, recording digits 2 or 5 (sensory) or recording abductor pollicis brevis

or abductor digiti minimi muscle (motor).

**Stimulating forearm, recording anatomical snuff box.

†Stimulating ankle, recording extensor digitorum brevis muscle.

‡Stimulating ankle, recording abductor hallucis muscle.

Table 2.

Muscle

Right Tibialis Anterior

Right Gastrocnemius (Medial head)

Right Extensor Halluces Longus

Insert activity

Inset

Normal

Increase

Increase

Spontaneous Activity

Fibrillation

None

2+

None

+Waves

None

2+

None

Fasciculation

None

None

None

Other

None

None

None

Voluntary Activity

Amplitude

Increase 1+

Increase 2+

Normal

Duration

Increase 1+

Increase 2+

Normal

Recruitment

Decrease 1+

Decrease 2+

Normal

Polyphasia

None

None

None

Maximal Voluntary  Activity

Activation

Maximal

Maximal

Maximal

Discussion

Our patient developed central and peripheral nervous system complications with chronic metronidazole treatment and improved after discontinuation. His central nervous symptoms improved significantly one month after discontinuation of metronidazole, which was evident with the interval complete resolution of cerebellar signal changes on follow up MRI. The polyneuropathy, however, continued to persist at the follow up visit based on the abnormal exam and electro-diagnostic study.

 The pathogenesis of metronidazole neurotoxicity is currently unknown. Proposed causes include 1) RNA binding with inhibition of protein synthesis and axonal degeneration [4], 2) modulation of inhibitory neurotransmitters the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors within cerebellar and vestibular systems [4]. Based on the current literature, the toxic range of metronidazole dosage is wide (range of 25 to 1080 grams), and it does not seem to be a dose- or duration-related phenomenon [2,3]. The duration of treatment before developing neurotoxicity is variable ranging from 1 day to 180 days with the average treatment duration around 50-60 days [3,5]. The patient we report here underwent the metronidazole treatment for 1-2 months before developing peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy and ataxia and received a total metronidazole dose of 134 gram.

The common features of metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity include encephalopathy, cerebellar dysfunction, seizures and peripheral neuropathy, but only a small proportion of patients have more than one manifestation, as the patient in this case report. Abnormalities in MRI are common, with cerebellar dentate lesion present in most images [3]. Abnormalities in MRI can also involve medulla and splenium of the corpus callosum [6]. Most of the detected MRI lesions completely resolved, with rare exception [3,6]. Most of the Diffusion weighted imaging lesions in metronidazole induced encephalopathy probably correspond to areas of vasogenic edema, whereas only some of them, located in the corpus callosum, correspond to cytotoxic edema. There have only been a few case reports of metronidazole-induced peripheral neuropathy with mainly sensory involvement on EMG. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can completely or partially resolve [1,7,8]. Electrophysiological evaluation usually suggests axonal pattern [9]. Our patient had both sensory and motor axonal polyneuropathy with ongoing denervation in distal muscles. Following discontinuation of metronidazole therapy, clinical improvement was noted in all patients in whom it was reported (generally within 3–7 days) [2]. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy usually occurred earlier, but recovered slowly compared to the resolutions of CNS manifestations. The average time for peripheral neuropathy to recover ranged from months to years. Some of the cases were supported by EMG/NCS studies which showed complete resolution [2,9].

Conclusion

Here we report a rare case of metronidazole neurotoxicity after two months treatment with both CNS and PNS manifestations in the form of encephalopathy, ataxia, seizures and polyneuropathy. The diagnosis of metronidazole toxicity was made by clinical, MRIs, and EMG/NCS findings. As our case demonstrates, it is important to be mindful of medication toxicity as potential cause of neurological symptoms, especially in patients with sensorimotor polyneuropathy, which can occur earlier than CNS presentations. The treatment is cessation of offending agent and medical support which in our patient led to improvement.

References

  1. Horlen CK, Seifert CF, Malouf CS (2000) Toxic metronidazole-induced MRI changes. Ann Pharmacother34: 1273-1275.[Crossref]
  2. Patel K, Green-Hopkins I, Lu S, Tunkel AR (2008) Cerebellar ataxia following prolonged use of metronidazole: case report and literature review.  Int J Infect Dis 12: e111-114.[Crossref]
  3. Kuriyama A, Jackson JL, Doi A, Kamiya T (2011) Metronidazole-induced central nervous system toxicity: a systematic review. ClinNeuropharmacol 34: 241-247.[Crossref]
  4. Kim H, Kim YW, Kim SR, Park IS, Jo KW (2011) Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy in a patient with infectious colitis: a case report. J Med Case Rep5: 63.[Crossref]
  5. Cação2021 Copyright OAT. All rights reserv Damásio J (2015) Metronidazole-induced central and peripheral nervous system toxicity. NeurolSci 36: 1737-1739.[Crossref]
  6. Hobbs K, Stern-Nezer S, Buckwalter MS, Fischbein N, Finley Caulfield A (2015) Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy: not always a reversible situation. Neurocrit Care 22: 429-436.[Crossref]
  7. Cecil KM, Halsted MJ, Schapiro M, Dinopoulos A, Jones BV (2002) Reversible MR imaging and MR spectroscopy abnormalities in association with metronidazole therapy. J Comput Assist Tomogr 26: 948-951.[Crossref]
  8. Kim E, Na DG, Kim EY, Kim JH, Son KR, et al. (2007) MR imaging of metronidazole-induced encephalopathy: lesion distribution and diffusion-weighted imaging findings. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 28: 1652-1658.[Crossref]
  9. Retamal-Riquelme E, Soto-San Martín H, Vallejos-Castro J, Galdames-Poblete D (2014) [Reversible neurotoxicity secondary to metronidazole: report of one case].  Rev Med Chil 142: 386-390.[Crossref]

Editorial Information

Editor-in-Chief

Andy Goren University of Rome "G.Marconi"

Article Type

Case Report

Publication history

Received date: January 21, 2016
Accepted date: February 16,2016
Published date: February 21, 2016

Copyright

©2016Wu N.This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Citation

Wu N (2016) A case of metronidazole-induced central and peripheral nervous system complications. Clin Case Rep Rev 1: doi: 10.15761/CCRR.1000212

Corresponding author

Aiesha Ahmed

Departments of Neurology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA, Tel: 717-531-1802; Fax: 717-531-0384.

E-mail : aahmed1@hmc.psu.edu

Table 1.

Nerve

Sensory

Distal

Latency

(ms)

Sensory

Distal

Amplitude

(μV)

Motor

Distal

Latency

(ms)

Motor

Distal

Amplitude

(mV)

Motor

Conduction

Velocity

(m/s)

F Wave

Latency

(ms)

Median*

3.0 (<3.7)

6.4 (>20.0)

3.0 (<4.4)

9.56 (>4.0)

55.9 (>49.0)

25.6 (<31)

Ulnar*

2.9 (<3.5)

2.7 (>10.0)

2.5 (<3.5)

11.51 (>6.0)

53.9 (>49.0)

27.3 (<32)

Radial**

2.2 (<2.9)

8.3 (>15.0)

Peroneal†

4.1 (<6.1)

0.78 (>2.0)

42.5 (>41.0)

Tibial‡

4.3 (<6.1)

0.82 (>3.0)

47.1 (>41.0)

Sural

NR

Superficial

peroneal

NR

NR: no response. Normal values are given in parentheses.

*Stimulating wrist, recording digits 2 or 5 (sensory) or recording abductor pollicis brevis

or abductor digiti minimi muscle (motor).

**Stimulating forearm, recording anatomical snuff box.

†Stimulating ankle, recording extensor digitorum brevis muscle.

‡Stimulating ankle, recording abductor hallucis muscle.

Table 2.

Muscle

Right Tibialis Anterior

Right Gastrocnemius (Medial head)

Right Extensor Halluces Longus

Insert activity

Inset

Normal

Increase

Increase

Spontaneous Activity

Fibrillation

None

2+

None

+Waves

None

2+

None

Fasciculation

None

None

None

Other

None

None

None

Voluntary Activity

Amplitude

Increase 1+

Increase 2+

Normal

Duration

Increase 1+

Increase 2+

Normal

Recruitment

Decrease 1+

Decrease 2+

Normal

Polyphasia

None

None

None

Maximal Voluntary  Activity

Activation

Maximal

Maximal

Maximal

Figure 1. A) T2 flair revealed hyperintensity in bilateral pons and cerebellar lobes. B) T2 flair revealed interval complete resolution of the pons and cerebellar signal abnormality one month after discontinuation of metronidazole.