Progressive multi-focal leukoencephalopathy as a rare lethal complication in untreated sarcoidosis. (28th June 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hohlfeld, Sabine K; Günthard, Huldrych F; Zeitz, Jonas; Locher, Pascal; Bachli, Esther
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2012
• Publication Date: 2012-06-28
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr.03.2011.4036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Progressive multi-focal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by reactivation of John Cunningham virus. It is an opportunistic infection affecting patients who are severely immunocompromised due to an underlying disease or secondary to immunosuppressive therapy. To date, no effective antiviral therapy has been established, though several substances are being investigated. The authors present the case of a 39-year-old previously healthy patient who was diagnosed with PML and sarcoidosis stage III without having received prior immunosuppressive treatment. The patient did not respond to treatment with mirtazapine, which has been used empirically, and deceased shortly after diagnosis.