Work

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Misdiagnosed as a Stroke

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is rare and can be challenging to diagnose. Symptoms can be varied and can mimic stroke phenotypes. Physicians must hold a high index of suspicion in patients with significant PML risk factors (including HIV/AIDS, immunosuppression, lymphoproliferative malignancies and chemotherapy/monoclonal antibody therapies) presenting with progressive neurological symptoms. Here, we describe a 63-year-old man who presented with left-sided weakness, apraxia and neglect on a background of subtle cognitive decline. He had a past medical history of recurrent follicular lymphoma with chemotherapy. He was initially diagnosed as a stroke but deteriorated further and ultimately received a diagnosis of PML. Earlier recognition of this condition will help to facilitate research into this disease.

Source: Case Reports in Neurological Medicine

DOI: 10.1155/crnm/6610404

Authors: Ger Mullan, Stephen Ramsay, Michael Jamison, Martin Harley, Simon Au

Institutions: Queen's University Belfast, Lagan Valley Hospital, Ulster Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Polyomavirus and related diseases

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $790