Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with concurrent Richter's syndrome

Leuk Lymphoma. 2000 Jun;38(1-2):183-90. doi: 10.3109/10428190009060332.

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating infectious disease caused by the JC virus. It was originally described in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Richter's syndrome, or transformation to large cell Lymphoma, occurs in approximately 3% of patients with CLL, and carries a poor prognosis. We report a patient with documented PML and concurrent Richter's transformation outside the central nervous system. Before establishing a definitive diagnosis of PML, radiation therapy to the presumed lymphomatous brain lesion had been considered, raising the issue of whether stereotactic brain biopsy should be considered in every patient in a similar situation. Although this is likely a rare occurrence, patients with Richter's transformation documented at an extra-neural site and a brain lesion may benefit from the establishment of an infectious diagnosis which would influence therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • JC Virus / isolation & purification
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / complications*
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / pathology
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / complications*
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / pathology
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / virology
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / etiology*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged