Methotrexate induced brain necrosis and severe leukoencephalopathy due to disconnection of an Ommaya device.

A 63-year old woman with breast carcinoma developed leucoencephalopathy and local brain necrosis after intraparenchymal infusion of methotrexate. This iatrogenic condition was caused by drain disconnection of the Ommaya device (bore hole type). The diagnosis of this rare complication of an Ommaya device was based on multiplanar MR-imaging. The case is discussed with regard to the complications of intraventricular chemotherapy by means of an Ommaya reservoir.