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[The multifocal progressive leukoencephalopathy--a papova-virus-encephalitis (author's transl)]
Zentralblatt Fur Allgemeine Pathologie U. Pathologische Anatomie
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Two cases of multifocal progressive leukoencephalopathy (MPL) were reported in patients with lymphosarcomatosis and post-kidney transplant. Electron microscopy revealed papova-virus-like virions in oligodendrocytes, suggesting a viral cause for MPL.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Multifocal progressive leukoencephalopathy (MPL) is a rare, often fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- MPL can occur in immunocompromised individuals, including those with lymphoproliferative disorders or organ transplants.
Observation:
- Two cases of MPL are presented: a 62-year-old with lymphosarcomatosis and a 44-year-old, 6 months post-kidney transplant.
- Both patients developed neurological symptoms and rapidly progressed to death within weeks of onset.
- Autopsy revealed characteristic pathological findings of MPL in both individuals.
Findings:
- Morphological examination confirmed multifocal progressive leukoencephalopathy.
- Electron microscopy of brain tissue identified virions in paracrystalline arrays within oligodendrocyte nuclei.
- These ultrastructural findings are consistent with papova-viruses.
Implications:
- The presence of papova-virus-like particles suggests a viral etiology for multifocal progressive leukoencephalopathy.
- This supports the proposed classification of the disease as papova-virus-encephalitis.
- Further research into papova-virus infections in immunocompromised hosts is warranted.