Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and polymyositis.
We describe a young woman who developed postpartum rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis and small vessel cerebrovascular disease. Subsequently she developed biopsy proven progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (due to JC virus infection) which may have been a complication of her immunosuppression. This rare complication of autoimmune rheumatic diseases is discussed.
Rankin
E
E
Bloomsbury Rheumatology Unit, National Hospital, London, UK.
Scaravilli
F
F
D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications*; D001706:Biopsy; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007968:Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009132:Muscles / Q000473:pathology; D017285:Polymyositis / Q000150:complications*; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000150:complications*