Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

It is a rare viral infection caused by demyelination of nerves. The condition is a failure of cellular immunity. It is a fatal complication of diseases such as lymphoma, leukemia, SLE, HIV infection and sarcoidosis.

Etiology
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is caused by reactivation of saprophytic papovavir.

Clinical picture
Papovirus attacks oligodendroglia and causes demyelination of nerves. This process takes place without any signs of inflammation. Important clinical symptoms include:
 * personality change,
 * cortical blindness,
 * seizures,
 * progressive dementia,
 * hemiparesis.

Patients may have extensive diffuse hemispheric involvement and death occurs without remission in 3-6 months.

Diagnosis
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is in most cases diagnosed at an advanced stage. Brain biopsy, CT and MRI. In these examinations, we observe multi-focal changes in white matter. In the cerebrospinal fluid we find an increase in gamma globulins.

Therapy
There is no therapy for this disease yet, with half of the patients dying within a few months of diagnosis.

Related articles

 * Viral infections of the nervous system