MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Causes Symptoms	Exams and Tests Treatment Outlook (Prognosis) References

Illustrations

Gray and white matter of the brain

Leukoencephalopathy

Alternative Names Return to top

PML

Definition Return to top

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare inflammatory disorder that causes damage to the material (myelin) that covers nerves. The nerve damage related to PML occurs within the white matter of the brain.

Causes Return to top

PML is caused by the JC virus (JCV). This virus is found in a lot of people, but usually does not cause symptoms. However, it triggers PML in people who have poor immune function (immunocompromised).

The disease occurs in 4% of adults with AIDS.

Symptoms Return to top

Symptoms and signs include loss of coordination, clumsiness, memory loss, progressively worsening weakness of the legs, and to a lesser extent, arms.

Other signs may include loss of language capability (aphasia), visual field defects, and headaches.

Exams and Tests Return to top

Tests may include:

Cytology exam of the urine
CT scan
MRI
Electroencephalography, a test to look at brain waves

Treatment Return to top

Treatment consists of anti-viral and other medications.

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

PML is almost always deadly. Most patients die within 3 to 6 months.

References Return to top

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2000:1856-1861.

Cohen J, Powderly WG. Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier; 2004:2046.

Update Date: 4/28/2006

Updated by: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.