IFOSFAMIDE-INDUCED NONCONVULSIVE STATUS EPILEPTICUS

We report the first case of nonconvulsive status epilepticus as a comp lication of chemotherapy with the nitrogen mustard derivative ifosfami de. Our patient developed encephalopathy, upper extremity myoclonus, a nd a periodic, triphasic electroencephalogic pattern that resolved acu tely with intravenous diazepam treatment. Since significant morbidity and mortality is associated with unrecognized status epilepticus, elec troencephalogic monitoring and a trial of diazepam is indicated in enc ephalopathic patients with rhythmic electroencephalogic patterns while receiving treatment with ifosfamide.