Minocycline-induced Diplopia in Philadelphia Chromosome-positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph+ALL): A Case Report

Background: Minocycline is frequently utilized for multiple drug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant bacteria (XDR), but is associated with many side effects. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is one such effect resulting from the precipitation of raised intracranial pressure (ICP), manifesting as headaches, diplopia or even vision loss. The aim of this report is to present a case of Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) with XDR Escherichia coli (E. coli) treated with minocycline. This resulted in elevated ICP with associated symptoms which were initially thought to be due to central nervous system (CNS) involvement by primary disease.

Case Presentation: A 14-year-old girl was given minocycline therapy for XDR E. coli, which was cultured from her blood, for two weeks. Patient develop complaints of nausea, vomiting, headache, blurring and doubling of vision one week into therapy. Lumbar puncture and brain imaging were performed to rule out CNS involvement with Ph+ ALL, which were reported as negative for malignancy. Minocycline was suspected to have precipitated the event and was discontinued. The patient recovered within one week after cessation of therapy.

Conclusion: Minocycline can be associated with symptomatic elevation of intracranial pressure, which can easily be mistaken for CNS involvement in patients with neoplastic disease, and can reverse upon discontinuation of the drug.