Fatal Pancytopenia Following the Use of “Mesantoin”

Abstract

“MESANTOIN” (3 methyl-5, 5-ethylphenylhydantoin), a close chemical relative of dilantin has been used as an anticonvulsant in the treatment of grand-mal seizures since 1945. In 1946 Harrison, Johnson and Ayer1 reported a case of fatal aplastic anemia following the use of “mesantoin” and tridione. Since that time several cases of pancytopenia following the use of “mesantoin” have been reported.2,3 The following case of fatal pancytopenia occurring after the use of “mesantoin” is presented to stimulate further investigation of the properties of this drug.Case ReportL. V. D., a 31-year-old veteran of World War II, entered the United States Naval . . .