Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: cavitary white matter lesions

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2012

Publication Title

The Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society

Abstract

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a fatal demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system caused by the opportunistic neurotropic Polyomavirus JCV. PML typically presents in immunocompromised individuals; is considered an AIDS defining condition; and is clinically characterized by cognitive defects, coordination problems, limb paresis, and speech disturbances. MRI can identify the characteristic bilaterally asymmetrical lesions that favor the subcortical frontal and parietal lobes as hypo-intensities on T1-weighted images and as hyper-intensities on T2-weighted images. Grossly, these areas appear discolored by a dusky, yellow-brown hue with the rare appearance of cavitation. No known therapeutic agent can specifically halt the progression of PML, and survival time after diagnosis averages less than two years. In this submission, we present a photo depicting striking lesions of severe PML of the cavitary type.

First Page

332, 334

Last Page

5

PubMed ID

23431676

Volume

164

Issue

6

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