REVERSIBLE SYMMETRICAL POLYNEUROPATHY WITH PARAPLEGIA AFTER HEART-TRANSPLANTATION

Background, Neurotoxicity is a well-recognized side effect of cyclospo rine therapy in transplant recipients. Cyclosporine can cause a wide r ange of adverse effects on both the central and peripheral nervous sys tems. Methods. We present a case history of symmetric polyneuropathy w ith flaccid paraplegia, a rare neurological complication of cyclospori ne administration. Results. Blood levels of the drug above the therape utic range accompanied the neurological manifestations. The syndrome s ubsided fully with dose reduction. Patients' symptoms were attributed to axonal degeneration of the peripheral nerves, according to electrom yography findings. Conclusions. Cyclosporine neurotoxicity should alwa ys be considered in patients with neurological complications following transplantation, The case presented in this article illustrates an ad ditional potential mechanism of this adverse effect, namely, axonal de generation of the peripheral nerves, causing symmetric polyneuropathy.