JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy is a demyelinating disease of the brain which occurs as a result of reactivation of JC (John Cunningham) virus. It is the most common manifestation of JC virus and is typically seen in patients with an immunocompromised status. Here we will be discussing about a 47 years old male patient who presented with altered sensorium and a past history of weakness in the right upper & lower limbs. Also, patient was found to be retropositive recently. He was referred to the department of Radio diagnosis for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for further evaluation. The patient had multiple, asymmetric, white matter lesions in bilateral cerebral hemispheres, midbrain and even cerebellum. In the later course of the disease, the patient lost consciousness and ultimately succumbed to death due to multiorgan failure. The typical features of PML, followed by the role of imaging in diagnosis of PML and its peculiar features to differentiate from other similar white matter lesions of the brain are discussed.

Keywords: Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, subcortical U-fibers, HIV, Barbell sign