[Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy].

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare disease caused by the reactivation of an opportunistic agent, JC virus almost in every cases in immunodeficient conditions. The disease is characterized by multifocal demyelinating lesions of the central nervous system and causes death within a few months. The authors report two patients: a 67 year-old male treated because of chronic lymphoid leukemia, and a 19 year-old male having a hereditary immunodeficiency, X-linked hyper IgM syndrome. In both cases continuously progressive right, later both hemispheric signs were detected. Cerebrospinal fluid was not helpful. Brain MRI showed bilateral large, white matter lesion. The progression was not influenced by the treatment, finally both patient died ten and six weeks after the appearance of first complaints. The diagnosis was confirmed by brain biopsy and autopsy in both cases. Our cases demonstrate that progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy can develop in various immunodeficiencies.

• Authors: Endre Pál, Zsuzsanna Aschermann, Eva Gömöri, Gábor Géza Kovács, Gábor Simon, László Maródi, Sámuel Komoly, Zsolt Illés
• Journal: Ideggyogyaszati szemle (Ideggyogy Sz) Vol. 60 Issue 5-6 Pg. 263-8 (May 30 2007) ISSN: 0019-1442 [Print] Hungary
• Vernacular Title: Progresszív multifokális leukoencephalopathia.
• PMID: 17578275 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Brain (pathology, virology)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Fatal Outcome
• Humans
• Hyper-IgM Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Type 1 (complications, drug therapy)
• JC Virus (isolation & purification)
• Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell (complications, drug therapy)
• Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology, immunology, pathology, virology)
• Male
• Polyomavirus Infections (complications)
• Tumor Virus Infections (complications)