Progressive multifokal leukencephalopathy: Diagnosis and differential diagnosis

Journal article

Background: Progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy is an infectious demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, occurring due to internal reactivation of JC-virus. Patients always have an immunological deficit, mostly due to AIDS, immunosuppressive treatment or an immunoproliferative disorder. Progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy has a desperate prognosis. Imaging signs are subcortical lesions involving the U-fibers without demonstration of contrast enhancement. Own Patient: We report imaging and clinical signs in a rare patient, who presented with progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy as the initial sign of a immunological disease and discuss differential diagnoses.

Authors: Grönewäller, E; Herrlinger, U; Küker, W

• Journal: Klinische Neuroradiologie
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 212-215
• Publication date: 2001-01-01
• DOI: 10.1007/s00062-001-2321-7
• EISSN: 1615-6706
• ISSN: 0939-7116
• Language: German
• Keywords: JC virus; Progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy; MRI; Encephalitis