       Document 0290
 DOCN  M9550290
 TI    [Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy]
 DT    9505
 AU    Hansen NJ; Madsen C; Stenager E; Neuromedicinsk afdeling N, Odense
       Universitetshospital.
 SO    Ugeskr Laeger. 1995 Jan 16;157(3):284-8. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/95149381
 AB    Progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (PML) is a rarely occurring
       demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by a
       neurotropic papovavirus named JC virus (JCV). The most frequently
       affected areas are the cerebral hemispheres, especially the
       parieto-occipital region, followed by the cerebellum and brain stem. The
       disease occurs predominantly in individuals with an immunocompromised
       state and impaired cellular mediated immunity (CMI) due to other
       underlying illness. More extensive use of irradiation and
       immunosuppressive therapy in relation to increased transplantational
       activities as well as treatment of autoimmune diseases and malignancies,
       in addition to the appearance of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
       (AIDS) as a consequence of infection with the human immunodeficiency
       virus (HIV), has caused a considerable increase in the occurrence of
       PML. The course of the disease is still most often rapidly progressive
       and fatal, but several cases with prolonged survival and even remission
       have been reported, and various antiviral treatments have been tried.
       The only drug that until now has shown favourable results is cytosine
       arabinoside. In HIV-infected PML-patients immunomodulation with
       AZT/zidovudine may alleviate the course and improve the prognosis in
       some patients. Suspicion of PML should lead to an extensive
       immunological investigation before considering of brain biopsy, which is
       still the only specific test. On the basis of the increased frequency of
       PML in relation to HIV-infection, it is likely that our knowledge of the
       pathogenetic aspects will increase, which, hopefully, may lead to an
       effective therapeutic strategy. A review of this disease, based upon
       studies of the literature, is presented.
 DE    Diagnosis, Differential  English Abstract  Human  *Leukoencephalopathy,
       Progressive Multifocal/DIAGNOSIS/DRUG  THERAPY/IMMUNOLOGY  Prognosis
       JOURNAL ARTICLE  REVIEW  REVIEW, TUTORIAL

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

