title: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: a case study.
abstract: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare, highly fatal demyelinating brain infection caused by the JC virus. This infection is associated with immunosuppressive agents and is emerging in the transplant population. There has never been a documented case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a transplant recipient receiving sirolimus. We present a study, in which the JC virus was found in a 68-year-old man who had received a postorthotopic heart transplant 3 years earlier and who was receiving sirolimus and prednisone for immunosuppression. We review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, current treatment options, and the outcomes of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in transplant recipients.
authors.affiliation: Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Vicki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: McCalmont
authors.forename: Kristi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D003221:Confusion / Q000209:etiology; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004569:Electroencephalography; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000209:etiology; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007968:Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011241:Prednisone / Q000009:adverse effects; D035583:Rare Diseases; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000009:adverse effects; D013129:Spinal Puncture
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011241:Prednisone; D020123:Sirolimus