Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Extensive white matter lesions after 2 years of fingolimod: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or MS relapse?
Marine Boudot de la Motte1, Céline Louapre1, Anne Bertrand2
1Neurology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.
Background:
Fingolimod is a widely used treatment for highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Objectives:
To describe the case of a 27-year-old patient treated for more than 2 years by Fingolimod, who presented hemiplegia and speech disturbances associated with extensive white matter lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Methods:
Case study.
Results:
Although initial presentation questioned the possibility of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, final diagnosis was multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse. Appropriate treatment resulted in clinical and radiological improvement.
Conclusion:
Severe MS relapses under Fingolimod have been reported, but late onset after treatment initiation and extensive subcortical topography is unusual and represents a diagnostic challenge.
