A case of Trousseau syndrome caused by tongue cancer with lung metastases during pharmacotherapy in an adolescent and young adult patient

Trousseau syndrome is a neurological disorder caused by blood hypercoagulability due to a malignant tumor and thrombosis in the brain. We report a case of Trousseau syndrome in a 30-year-old female [adolescent and young adult (AYA) classification] with lung and thoracic vertebrae metastases from tongue cancer that developed during pharmacotherapy. In July 2015, squamous cell carcinoma (T1N0M0, Stage I) was diagnosed and the patient underwent a partial right-side tongue resection. In March 2020, combination therapy with paclitaxel and cetuximab was started. After three weeks, dizziness, nausea and vomiting symptoms appeared and cerebellar infarction was confirmed by MRI results, leading to a diagnosis of Trousseau syndrome. Anticoagulant therapy was started, and combination therapy with paclitaxel and cetuximab was resumed after the symptoms improved. Six months later, her general condition deteriorated, and the patient chose best supportive care. Death due to hemorrhage from lung metastasis occurred approximately three months after stopping pharmacotherapy.