Cisplatin-related Cerebral Infarction in Carcinoma of the External Auditory Canal

BACKGROUND: Despite the known association between cisplatin and vascular toxicity, the mechanism of cisplatin-associated cerebral infarction, a relatively rare complication, remains unclear. We describe an investigation of potential biomarkers that could facilitate the early detection of this complication in a relevant case. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 59-year-old male diagnosed with stage III carcinoma of the external auditory canal underwent cisplatin chemotherapy. Seven days after the last dose, he presented with a disturbance of consciousness due to basilar artery occlusion, which was associated with chemotherapy administration. The patient recovered consciousness after thrombectomy. Interestingly, an increase in serum von Willebrand factor (vWf) activity was observed. The vWf activity level gradually normalized 5 months after cisplatin administration. CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial injuries could be responsible for cisplatin-associated cerebral infarction. Moreover, a cisplatin-induced cerebral infarction increase in serum vWf activity, which indicates endothelial injury, suggests that this molecule might be a useful biomarker for predicting cisplatin-associated cerebral infarction.