title: Simultaneous PML-IRIS after discontinuation of natalizumab in a patient with MS.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severe complication of natalizumab therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), which is often accompanied by an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after removal of the drug. We describe a patient with MS who presented with simultaneous PML-IRIS 2 months after stopping natalizumab for other reasons.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient had widespread PML and severe IRIS. He received corticosteroids and displayed a vigorous JC virus-specific cellular immune response. Elevated myoinositol and lipid/creatine peaks measured in PML lesions by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) corresponded to episodes of contrast enhancement on MRI scans and persisted after the enhancement subsided. He demonstrated steady clinical improvement, but developed marked residual atrophy in areas affected by PML and inflammation, as well as seizures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  New enhancing white matter lesions, occurring after discontinuation of natalizumab, can be the manifestation of PML-IRIS rather than an MS exacerbation. Elevated myoinositol and lipid/creatine peaks appear to be more sensitive markers of inflammation in PML lesions than contrast enhancement. (1)H-MRS may become useful as a biomarker for PML-IRIS by helping clinicians determine the need for corticosteroid administration and anticipate continuing clinical recovery.
authors.affiliation: Division of NeuroVirology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gheuens
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Alsop
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Lenkinski
authors.forename: I J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Koralnik
mesh_terms: D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000150:complications; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001284:Atrophy; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D054019:Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D007968:Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008297:Male; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000069442:Natalizumab; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D015415:Biomarkers; D000069442:Natalizumab