Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: Case report and review of the literature

: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, yet typically fatal complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. It is caused by reactivation of the John Cunningham (JC) virus in an immunocompromised host. This report describes an unfortunate case of PML in a recipient of an allogeneic stem cell transplant for acute myelogenous leukemia. The JC virus was undetectable in the patient's cerebrospinal fluid by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); however, a positive diagnosis was made after a brain biopsy. This and other published cases demonstrate that recipients of allogeneic stem cells can develop PML. Moreover, early diagnosis of the disease is often difficult and, as demonstrated in this case, screening with PCR does not appear to have strong diagnostic significance. With no effective treatment presently available, restoration of immune function is the only intervention that can affect prognosis. Further prospective studies are needed to understand the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease.