Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal
| Definition: |
An opportunistic viral infection of the central nervous system associated with conditions that impair cell-mediated immunity (e.g., ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME and other IMMUNOLOGIC DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES; HEMATOLOGIC NEOPLASMS; IMMUNOSUPPRESSION; and COLLAGEN DISEASES). The causative organism is JC Polyomavirus (JC VIRUS) which primarily affects oligodendrocytes, resulting in multiple areas of demyelination. Clinical manifestations include DEMENTIA; ATAXIA; visual disturbances; and other focal neurologic deficits, generally progressing to a vegetative state within 6 months. (From Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1996, Ch26, pp36-7) |
| Notes: |
DF: LEUKOENCEPH PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL |
| Previously Indexed: |
Demyelinating Diseases (1966-1970) |
Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal Definitions and Terms
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