Long-term Survival in a Kidney Transplantation Patient With Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: A Case Report

• Published in: Transplantation proceedings 2018-10, Vol.50 (8), p.2558-2561
• Main Authors: Mochizuki, T., Teranishi, J., Takamoto, D., Ohtaka, M., Kawahara, T., Makiyama, K., Uemura, H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Everolimus - therapeutic use; Humans; Immunocompromised Host - immunology; Immunosuppressive Agents - therapeutic use; JC Virus; Kidney Transplantation - adverse effects; Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal - immunology; Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal - mortality; Male
• ISSN: 0041-1345; 1873-2623
• DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.02.194

Post–kidney transplantation progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare disease on which there are very few published reports on record. PML is a demyelinating disease caused by a destructive infection of the oligodendrocytes by the JC polyomavirus. No effective therapeutic protocol has been established other than measures to revive the immune function by reducing or discontinuing the administration of immunosuppressive agents. Most cases are progressive and show a poor prognosis. We herein report a case in which renal function has been maintained for 2 years following the onset of PML, which was initially diagnosed 3 years after kidney transplantation. •This is a case study of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) after kidney transplantation, caused by a JC virus infection.•No effective therapeutic protocol against PML has been established other than measures to revive the immune function by reducing or discontinuing the administration of immunosuppressive agents.•In this case everolimus was used, and the patient has survived for 2 years following the onset of PML with good renal function.•Everolimus may be an effective treatment for JC virus infections.