Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome: A case report and review of literature

Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome (PHS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of the management of Parkinson's disease (PD). Central hypodopaminergic state which results due to abrupt withdrawal of dopaminergic medications in patients with PD is the postulated cause. Clinical manifestations of PHS are very akin to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Here, we report a case of a 60-year-old male with 13-year history of PD, who was on Levodopa (300 mg) + Carbidopa (75 mg). On abrupt stoppage of Levodopa (300 mg) + Carbidopa (75 mg), he presented with symptoms akin to NMS, with raised creatine kinase. As soon as the antiparkinsonian medications are reinstituted, the patient recovered completely. Literature in this area is limited to few case reports only. Existing literature recommends prompt reinstitution of antiparkinsonian medications as the mainstay of therapy for patients presenting with PHS.