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Progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy with magnetic resonance imaging verification and therapeutic trials with
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
Abstract:
Progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brain biopsy in a 44-year-old woman, for whom therapeutic trials with various antiviral agents were made. Despite early diagnosis and treatment, her neurological deterioration and extension of MRI-detectable lesions were not halted for a period of about 8 months. After the introduction of intrathecal beta-interferon therapy, her neurological status and MRI findings became stable and showed minimal improvement. Early diagnosis of this fatal disorder is important and intrathecal interferon therapy should be considered.
Insights
Early diagnosis and treatment of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) are crucial. Intrathecal beta-interferon therapy may stabilize neurological status and MRI findings in PML patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, often fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- PML is caused by the John Cunningham virus (JCV) and typically affects immunocompromised individuals.
- Conventional antiviral therapies have shown limited efficacy in halting PML progression.