29 - A Fatal Case of Multiple Brain Hemorrhages Associated with Lecanemab

Summary

However, there is a darker side to anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies including lecanemab. ARIA, an acronym for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, have occurred in all trials of anti-amyloid MABs. They occur in two forms, swelling (edema) of the brain (ARIA-E) and microhemorrhages (ARIA-H). Most of the time they are harmless and without symptoms, and they usually resolve within a month or two after stopping the drug. Rarely, they can be severe. As described in a case study, I was one of the subjects in the aducanumab trial who had severe ARIA of both types, swelling and bleeding. I required ICU care for two days, but I eventually fully recovered over the next few months. So far, three research subjects have died during the lecanemab clinical trial.