Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Following Combined Rituximab-Based Immune-Chemotherapy for Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Transplant recipients are at risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic infection due to reactivation of JC virus. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) represent a common malignancy in this population, and antiCD20-therapy has become an established component of its treatment. CASE PRESENTATION We describe the first case of a renal allograft transplant recipient with PTLD who received rituximab-based immune-chemotherapy and developed PML shortly thereafter. Despite early suspicion and diagnosis, the disease ran a relentlessly progressive course, and the patient succumbed to his illness shortly thereafter. CONCLUSION: PML should be strongly suspected whenever unusual neurologic symptoms appear in the context of immunosuppression. Clinicians and patients should be aware of the potential for PML after rituximab therapy.