The Risk of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in the Biologic Era: Prevention and Management

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, typically fatal, demyelinating central nervous system infection caused by reactivation of the John Cunningham virus that generally occurs in immunosuppressed patients. With an evolving understanding of a greater clinical heterogeneity of PML and significant implications for therapy, PML should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neurologic presentations of rheumatic diseases. Increased awareness of PML among rheumatologists is required, as earlier diagnosis and restoration of immune function may improve the otherwise grim prognosis associated with PML.

Keywords: Autoimmune rheumatic diseases; Biologic therapy; Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; Rituximab; Synthetic immunosuppressive therapy; Systemic lupus erythematosus.