Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Causes
The JC virus (JCV) causes PML. By age 10, most people have been infected with this virus, but it hardly ever causes symptoms.

Anyone with a weakened immune system, however, are at greater risk of developing PML. Causes of a weakened immune system include:

• AIDS (less common now because of better AIDS treatments)
• Certain medications used to treat multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and related conditions
• Leukemia and lymphoma

Exams and Tests
Tests may include:

• Brain biopsy (rare)
• Cerebrospinal fluid test for the JCV
• CT scan of the brain
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• MRI of the brain

Treatment
In people with AIDS, treatment to strengthen the immune system can lead to recovery from the symptoms of PML. No other treatments have proved effective for PML.

Outlook (Prognosis)
PML is a life-threatening condition. Talk to your doctor about care decisions.

Alternative Names
PML

References
Boren EJ, Cheema GS, et al. The emergence of progressive multifocal leukoencephaloparhy (PML) in rheumatic diseases. J Autoimmun . 2008;30(1-2):90-98.

Weissert R. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Journal of Neuroimmunology .2011; 231 (1): 73-77.

Update Date: 2/16/2012
Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, and Department of Anatomy at UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.

Read More

• Headache
• Immunodeficiency disorders
• Movement - uncoordinated
• Visual field
• Weakness
• White matter of the brain