[Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy as a cause of neurologic symptoms in Sharp syndrome]

Z Rheumatol. 1991 Jul-Aug;50(4):222-4.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy (PML) is a very rare complication of immunosuppressive or cytostatic treatment of rheumatic diseases. We describe a patient with a mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) existing for more than 15 years, who had polyarthritis, myositis, scleroderma-like symptoms, pulmonary involvement, and psychosis of undetermined origin. After a 12-year low-dose corticosteroid therapy and a 4-year azathioprin therapy a quickly progressive PML developed; symptoms included: difficulty in urinating, bladder, articulation, spastic hemiplegia, eye movement malfunction. The patient died after after a few months. PML is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis when a patient with MCTD develops neurologic symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects*
  • Adult
  • Azathioprine / administration & dosage
  • Azathioprine / adverse effects*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / chemically induced*
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Mixed Connective Tissue Disease / diagnosis
  • Mixed Connective Tissue Disease / drug therapy*
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / drug effects
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / pathology
  • Neurologic Examination*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Azathioprine