Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy associated with mycophenolate mofetil treatment in a woman with lupus and CD4+T-lymphocyte deficiency

There is an increase in the number of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) reported as developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) while on intensive immunosuppressive therapy. A 39-year-old HIV-negative woman with a 10-year history of SLE presented with progressive left-side weakness while on maintenance therapy with oral prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). On several occasions low CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts were found (68/mu L). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large lesion in the right subcortical fronto-parietal region and a smaller one in the left frontal subcortex, corresponding to the PML. In cerebrospinal fluid, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for JC virus (JCV) was negative, but anti-JCV antibodies were highly positive. Diagnosis of probable PML was made and MMF was withdrawn. The patient's condition improved with marked reduction of left-side weakness and an increase in CD4(+) T-lymphocyte count (141/mu L). Follow-up MRI showed regression of lesions and over the next 6 months the patient remained stable. In spite of the grave prognosis associated with PML, SLE patients can have an excellent outcome if immunosuppressants are discontinued as soon as the correct diagnosis is made. SLE patients with associated low CD4(+) T-lymphocyte counts should be monitored for the development of PML during immunosuppressive therapy in particular. Lupus (2012) 21, 100-102.