Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: new concepts

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2013 Sep;71(9B):699-702. doi: 10.1590/0004-282X20130154.

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease of the CNS caused by reactivation of JC virus (JCV) in a setting of cellular immunosuppression. Originally, PML was observed in patients with advanced HIV infection, lymphoproliferative disorders and transplant recipients. However, the widespread use of HIV antiretroviral drugs and the new selective immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive medications, such as Rituximab and Natalizumab, has recently modified the epidemiology, clinical presentation and prognosis of PML. Herein, we discuss the new concepts on PML, emphasizing the recent modification in the epidemiology; the impact of new immunomodulatory treatments in the disease, PML-IRIS (Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome), new treatment strategies and other JCV related CNS diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • Humans
  • Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • JC Virus / drug effects
  • JC Virus / immunology
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / drug therapy*
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / immunology
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / virology

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents