J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 1991; 3:75-77
Copyright © 1991 by American Neuropsychiatric Association
Cerebral infarction in neuroleptic malignant syndrome
P Pullicino, AC Galizia and C Azzopardi
University of Malta, St. Luke's Hospital, Gwardamangia, Malta.
Two young women with no risk factors for cerebrovascular disease developed
hyperpyrexia, rigidity, and autonomic features while taking neuroleptic
agents. The first presented with increasing rigidity, profuse diaphoresis
and dehydration, and a right hemiparesis, and computed tomography (CT)
showed a left striato-capsular infarction. The second became unresponsive
following severe hypoxia and was found to have left-sided pyramidal signs
three days later. Hemoconcentration and hypoxemia predispose to cerebral
ischemic injury in the neuroleptic malignant syndrome and should be avoided
as much as possible.
