[Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient following long-term immunosuppressive therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2006 Feb 18;150(7):387-92.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

A 41-year-old woman who had suffered from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for 22 years presented with signs of neurological deficits. CT-scanning of the brain revealed hypodense lesions that suggested cerebral infarction due to vasculitis in SLE. However, in spite of intensified immunosuppressive therapy, she showed rapid neurological deterioration. After extensive, additional examinations and tests, the diagnosis was finally changed to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, caused by an opportunistic infection by the JC polyomavirus. Neurological and psychiatric symptoms frequently occur in patients with SLE. The differential diagnosis of these symptoms in SLE is extensive and includes, on the one hand, primary neurological and psychiatric diseases related to direct involvement of the nervous system by SLE, and on the other hand, secondary syndromes arising as a result of complications of the SLE or the immunosuppressive treatment. Opportunistic infections are often an important secondary cause of neurological and psychiatric syndromes in patients with SLE. The clinical symptoms and radiological cerebral signs are non-specific and usually do not suffice to differentiate between the various syndromes. Since each syndrome requires its own specific clinical approach and treatment, extensive diagnostics are mandatory before the diagnosis 'cerebral lupus' can be made and immunosuppressive therapy can be started or intensified.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • JC Virus / isolation & purification
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / diagnosis*
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / immunology
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / pathology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents