5-FU-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy in a case of metastatic rectal adenocarcinoid successfully rechallenged with the fluoropyrimidine analog, capecitabine.

Neurological complications of both fluorouracil (5-FU) and its oral prodrug, capecitabine, have been described in the literature. This study reported the case of a 70-year-old female with metastatic adenocarcinoid of the rectum who developed hyperammonemic encephalopathy, following infusional 5-FU therapy, manifesting itself as intractable nausea, vomiting, confusion and disorientation. Interestingly, when the patient was rechallenged with the fluoropyrimidine analog, capecitabine, neither hyperammonemia nor symptom recurrence was observed. 5-FU is an integral component of effective anti-neoplastic treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer, but is often discontinued when neurotoxicity develops. This case highlighted the use of capecitabine as an alternative for patients who have demonstrated evidence of 5-FU-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Re-challenging the patient with capecitabine, at a low daily dose intensity, accounted for the overall tolerability of the treatment, as demonstrated by normal ammonia levels and the lack of neurological symptoms.