A Case of PML Developing Secondary to Kidney Transplantation Treatment (Immunosuppressive Therapy)

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare and often fatal central nervous system (CNS) disease caused by the John Cunningham polyomavirus (JCV). Here, we present a case of PML that developed 12 years after kidney transplantation in a 36-year-old patient. The patient presented to the emergency department with weakness and numbness in the right arm, which resolved after treatment, restoring normal muscle strength. Treatment involved a gradual reduction of immunosuppressive therapy and plasmapheresis every other day for five days. PML can have an aggressive and fatal course, but our case was considered to have a favorable (atypical) onset of PML. Early diagnosis and treatment are believed to impact the prognosis of PML.