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

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.

• Authors: F Schneider
• Journal: Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie (Z Rheumatol) 1991 Jul-Aug Vol. 50 Issue 4 Pg. 222-4 ISSN: 0340-1855 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Progressive multifokale Leukencephalopathie als Ursache neurologischer Symptomatik bei Sharp-Syndrom.
• PMID: 1746173 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Azathioprine

Topics

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