Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in a Child of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) developed in a 4-year-old boy with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Papova virus (SV40 like virus) was isolated from his cerebrospinal fluid. The antibody titer to the isolated virus was 1:640 in serum and 1:16 in cerebrospinal fluid.
Brain CT scan showed multifocal low density in the white matter. the progressive neurologic illness in this patient was characterized by spastic palsy, ataxia, intellectual deterioration, seizure, and coma.
An important element in the pathogenesis of PML is the presence of diseases that have impaired host resistance. As one of CNS complicatiosn of ALL, we need to take notice of the papova virus infections.