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Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: a case study - McCalmont V, Bennett K - Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA.

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.