Rapid Multifocal Neurologic Decline in an Immunocompromised Patient

JAMA Neurol. 2016 Feb;73(2):226-31. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2015.2658.

Abstract

A man in his early 70s with a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and being treated with prednisone, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab presented with progressive multifocal neurologic decline. The patient died 2 months after the onset of this decline despite extensive clinical and laboratory investigation and a trial of methylprednisolone therapy. The approach to the immunosuppressed patient with progressive neurologic decline, neuropathologic findings, and final diagnosis are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / complications
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / diagnosis
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / diagnosis
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / drug therapy*
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / etiology
  • Male