Undetectable JC virus CSF PCR in patients with JC virus-induced progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

The diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is based on a combination of clinical, radiographic, and laboratory findings. However, negative JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) PCR in CSF does not always rule out JCPyV-related PML. In this narrative review, we sought to examine the characteristic of biopsy-proven PML in patients with undetectable JCPyV CSF PCR and provide alternative approaches in this scenario.

Automated summary

The diagnosis of PML is based on clinical, radiographic, and laboratory findings, but a negative JCPyV PCR in the CSF does not always rule out JCPyV-related PML. This review examines the characteristics of biopsy-proven PML in patients with undetectable JCPyV CSF PCR and suggests alternative approaches in this scenario.