Definition
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare disease of the white matter of the brain.
| The Neuron |
|
| Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Causes
PML is caused by an infection by a specific virus. Many people get this virus as a child, but do not get sick until later. It stays in the body and does not cause problems in most people.
The virus can start to cause problems in people with a weak immune system. It attacks the cells that make the material that insulates nerve cells (neurons).
Risk Factors
PML is most common in people who have problems with their immune system. These problems may be from:
- HIV/AIDS (most common)
- Leukemia and lymphoma
- Organ transplant
- Cancer
- Long-term use of steroid medicines
- Certain medicines that treat multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Rare, inherited immunodeficiencies
Symptoms
PML gets worse over time. Problems may be:
- Lack of strength in the arms and legs
- Problems moving
- Changes in behavior and thinking
- Memory problems
- Problems seeing
- Speech problems
- A loss of language
- Sensory loss
- Signs of seizures, such as jerking arm and leg motions
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
An MRI scan will be done to look for damage to the brain.
To confirm PML, your doctor may need:
- Lumbar puncture to look for the virus in the fluid that surrounds the brain
- Brain biopsy to look for the virus in brain tissue
Treatment
There is no cure. The goal of treatment is to strengthen the immune system to slow harm to the body. Choices are:
- Antiretroviral medicine for people who have HIV
- Stopping any medicine that weakens the immune system
- A plasma exchange to quickly remove any medicine that weakens the immune system from the blood
Prevention
The virus that causes PML cannot be prevented. PML may be prevented in people with HIV by taking steps to prevent the immune system from weakening.
RESOURCES
AIDS Information, Education, Action http://www.aids.org
NORD—National Organization for Rare Disorders http://www.rarediseases.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian AIDS Society http://www.cdnaids.ca
CORD—Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders http://www.cord.ca
References
Grebenciucova E, Pruitt A. Infections in patients receiving multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2017;17(11):88.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Progressive-Multifocal-Leukoencephalopathy-Information-Page. Accessed October 2, 2020.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/progressive-multifocal-leukoencephalopathy-pml. Accessed October 2, 2020.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). AETC National Resource Center website. Available at: http://aidsetc.org/resource/progressive-multifocal-leukoencephalopathy-pml. Accessed October 2, 2020.
Williamson EML, Berger JR. Diagnosis and Treatment of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Associated with Multiple Sclerosis Therapies. Neurotherapeutics. 2017 Oct;14(4):961-973.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 05/25/2021