Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
26:48

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: July 4, 2007

17.7K

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy--a case report and review of the literature

Elisabeth Smolle1, Andreas Trojan2, Stephen J Schuster3

  • 1Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.

In Vivo (Athens, Greece)
|September 6, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This case study details a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) during chemotherapy. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation was performed, but the patient succumbed to opportunistic infections.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Hematology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
  • PML is caused by reactivation of the JC polyomavirus in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common hematologic malignancy often requiring immunosuppressive therapy.

Observation:

  • A 63-year-old male with CLL was treated with multiple chemotherapy regimens, including fludarabine, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and lenalidomide.
  • The patient developed PML while undergoing chemotherapy for CLL.
  • Following PML stabilization, the patient underwent a non-myeloablative allogeneic bone marrow transplant for his CLL.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced several opportunistic infections post-transplant.
  • Despite the allogeneic bone marrow transplant, the patient ultimately died.
  • The case highlights the complex interplay between CLL treatment, PML, and transplantation outcomes.

Implications:

  • Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is being explored for PML, hypothesizing donor immune cell engraftment to combat JC virus.
  • Further research with larger patient cohorts is necessary to determine the efficacy and safety of bone marrow transplantation in PML management.
  • This case underscores the critical need for vigilant monitoring and management of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients undergoing intensive treatments.
Keywords:
JC virusLeukoencephalopathydemyelinating diseasesprogressive multifocaltherapy

More Related Videos

Multifocal Electroretinograms16:49

Multifocal Electroretinograms

Published on: December 4, 2011

18.3K
Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia06:24

Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia

Published on: May 18, 2010

31.5K

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
13
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
8
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
14
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this...
8
Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic...
26
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial...
12