A case of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by an opportunistic infection of the JC virus. PML is known to occur in immunocompromised patients. A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed PML during i.v. cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone pulse therapy is described. The pertinent literature relating to complication of SLE by PML is discussed.