Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy developing in a fludarabine naïve patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Case report

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Authors: Melissa G Ooi, Peter J Kelly, Michael Farrell, Philip Murphy, Peter O’Gorman

Published Date January 2009 Volume 2009:2 Pages 5 - 7

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S4380

Melissa G Ooi¹, Peter J Kelly², Michael Farrell³, Philip Murphy⁴, Peter O’Gorman¹

¹Department of Hematology; ²Department of Neurology, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; ³Department of Neuropathology; ⁴Department of Hematology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

Abstract: We report a case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy developing in a fludarabine-naïve patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We suggest that progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy should be considered in any chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient with unexplained neurological symptoms. Treatment history does not necessarily require fludarabine. Intrathecal cytosine arabinoside although unsuccessful in this patient, is a therapeutic option to consider in patients experiencing side effects from systemic therapy.

Keywords: progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, JC virus, fludarabine, intrathecal cytosine arabinoside