Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare disorder that damages the material (myelin) that covers and protects nerves in the white matter of the brain.
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
Symptoms
- Headaches
- Loss of coordination, clumsiness
- Loss of language ability (aphasia)
- Memory loss
- Vision problems
- Weakness of the legs and arms that gets worse
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
Updated by: 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.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.
