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Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Alternate Names : PML
Definition
PML is a rare inflammatory disorder that leads to loss of myelin in multiple areas within the white matter of the brain. It is a virus-induced disease seen in people with poor immune function (immunocompromised).
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. The greatest risk is being immunosuppressed.
The causal virus, JC virus, is a common resident in most adults, but it triggers loss of myelin in those whose immune function is deficient. It occurs in 4% of adult individuals with AIDS.
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Review Date : 5/2/2002
Reviewed By : Alberto Espay, M.D., Department of Neurology, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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