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Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy fifty-seven months after heart transplantation

M A Flomenbaum1, J A Jarcho, F J Schoen

  • 1Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass. 02115.

The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation : the Official Publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation
|November 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare brain infection in immunocompromised patients. This case highlights PML in a heart transplant recipient, suggesting increased prevalence with more transplants.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a fatal demyelinating disease caused by opportunistic viral infection in immunocompromised individuals.
  • PML is rare post-heart transplantation, with only one prior reported case found at autopsy.

Observation:

  • This report details a heart transplant recipient who presented with neurological symptoms attributable to PML.
  • The patient was otherwise asymptomatic, underscoring the potential for PML to manifest clinically in this population.

Findings:

  • The study describes the specific pathological findings of PML in the heart transplant recipient.
  • A review of existing literature on PML in the context of heart transplantation is provided.

Implications:

  • PML may become more frequently diagnosed in heart transplant recipients as the population grows.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis of PML are crucial for managing neurological complications in immunocompromised patients.

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