Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Localized in the Cerebellum and Brainstem Associated with Idiopathic CD4(+) T Lymphocytopenia

Intern Med. 2016;55(12):1645-7. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.55.6649. Epub 2016 Jun 15.

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease that favors the cerebrum and typically occurs in immunosuppressed patients. We herein report the case of a 66-year-old man with PML, idiopathic CD4(+) T lymphocytopenia (ICL), and chronic renal failure. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a crescent-shaped lesion in the left cerebellum, brainstem, and middle cerebellar peduncle. Although the patient did not present with HIV infection, collagen diseases, or tumors, JC virus DNA was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid. Clinicians should consider PML and ICL in the differential diagnosis if the patient develops progressive ataxia and a crescent-shaped cerebellar lesion on MRI.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Stem / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Stem / pathology
  • Cerebellum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebellum / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / etiology*
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / pathology
  • Lymphopenia / complications*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged