Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

• Alternative Names

  PML

• Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  The JC virus (JCV) causes PML. This virus is found in a lot of people, but usually does not cause symptoms. However, it triggers PML in people who have poor immune function (immunocompromised).

  The disease occurs in 4% of adults with AIDS.

• Symptoms
  • Headaches
  • Loss of coordination, clumsiness
  • Loss of language ability (aphasia)
  • Memory loss
  • Vision problems
  • Weakness of the legs and arms that gets worse
• Signs and tests
  Tests may include:

  • Cytology exam of the urine
  • CT scan
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)
  • MRI
• Treatment

  Treatment consists of antiviral drugs and other medications.

• Expectations (prognosis)

  PML is a very serious condition. Talk to your doctor about care decisions.

• References

  Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2000:1856-1861.

  Cohen J, Powderly WG. Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier; 2004:2046.

Review Date: 2/13/2008

Reviewed By: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.