Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy 11 years after liver transplantation: a case report

J Neurovirol. 2017 Dec;23(6):929-931. doi: 10.1007/s13365-017-0578-0. Epub 2017 Sep 12.

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an opportunistic infection of the central nervous system caused by JC virus. Only ten cases of PML have been reported so far in liver transplant recipients. We present a case of liver posttransplantation PML with characteristic clinical and brain MRI findings, but with an atypical late onset, developed 11 years after transplantation and after single-drug, long-term (8 years), and low-dose (750 mg twice a day) immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). This is the latest onset of PML associated to liver transplant reported. The present case should help physicians to be aware of PML after transplantation, even in the long term and even under low doses of immunosuppressants, especially MMF.

Keywords: Liver transplantation; Mycophenolate mofetil; Progressive multifocal leukoecephalopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / immunology
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / virology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • JC Virus / pathogenicity
  • JC Virus / physiology
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / diagnostic imaging
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / etiology
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / immunology*
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / virology
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver / immunology
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver / virology
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Mycophenolic Acid / adverse effects*
  • Opportunistic Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Opportunistic Infections / etiology
  • Opportunistic Infections / immunology*
  • Opportunistic Infections / virology

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Mycophenolic Acid