AIDS-related progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

INTRODUCTION

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by reactivation of JC virus (JCV).

METHODS

We described the profile of laboratory-confirmed PML cases among AIDS patients.

RESULTS

A total of 43 HIV patients with clinical conditions compatible with PML were obtained; 5 cases were confirmed by JCV testing. The main clinical finding was mental confusion. Median CD4 count was 54 cells/mm³.

CONCLUSIONS

Three of the five confirmed PML cases died; the time between diagnosis and death was 2, 5, and 6 months. It is important to consider JCV infection as a differential diagnosis.