Neurologic Complications after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract

Neurologic complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are frequently life-threatening, and their clinical management can be highly challenging. A wide spectrum of causative factors-including drug-related toxicities; infections sustained by virus, bacteria, or invasive molds; metabolic encephalopathy; cerebrovascular disorders; immune-mediated disorders; and disease recurrence-may lead to potentially lethal complications. Moreover, given that some neurologic complications are not uncommonly diagnosed post mortem, their overall incidence is likely to be underestimated. Their prompt recognition and timely treatment are of paramount importance to reduce the risk for transplantation-related death.

Keywords: Central nervous system; Cerebral aspergillosis; Cyclosporine; Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Neurological complications; Viral encephalitis.