Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy as a complication of immunosuppression in kidney transplantation
Holzhausen, H.J.; Mampel, E.; Koall, W.; Rockstroh, H.; Forth, H.J.; Schulze, R.
Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Innere Medizin und ihre Grenzgebiete 32(21): 578-581
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-2542 PMID: 339582 Document Number: 121418
The progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy is mostly observed as paraneoplastic complication of malignant lymphoproliferative systemic diseases. It may develop also under the influence of a long-term immunosuppressive therapy, as it is necessary in the rejection treatment of recipients or organ transplantations. It is reported on a 44-year-old man in whom a progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy with exitus letalis developed 6 months after a kidney transplantation and following immunosuppressive therapy. In the oligodendroglia of the marginal region of leukodystrophic foci in the centrum semiovale of the right cerebral hemisphere by means of electron microscopy paracrystalline situated virions of the type Papova were proved in most cases.