Common and uncommon imaging findings in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with differential diagnostic considerations

• Published in: Clinical neurology and neurosurgery Vol. 114; no. 8; pp. 1123 - 1130
• Main Authors: Horger, M, Beschorner, R, Beck, R, Nägele, T, Schulze, M, Ernemann, U, Heckl, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01-10-2012; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; CT-imaging; Demyelinating Diseases - pathology; Demyelination; Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Progression; Humans; Immunosuppression; Indexing in process; Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal - diagnosis; Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal - diagnostic imaging; Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal - physiopathology; Medical sciences; MR-imaging; Neuroimaging; Neurology; Neurosurgery; Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML); Radiography; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Immunosuppression; CT-imaging; Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML); Demyelination; MR-imaging; Nervous system diseases; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; Differential diagnostic; Inflammatory disease; Cerebral disorder; Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; Infection; Virus; Viral disease; Surgery; Central nervous system disease; Computerized axial tomography; Slow virus
• ISSN: 0303-8467; 1872-6968
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2012.06.018

Abstract Objective To provide a practical review of the spectrum of possible imaging findings in patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and to address differentials. Conclusion PML manifests with a broad spectrum of imaging features. Besides knowledge of preferential location, extent, temporal course, enhancement, results of functional imaging and clinical setting, recognition of imaging findings reflecting active demyelination may help the clinician in appropriately narrowing down the differential diagnosis.