A case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a post-kidney transplant patient with improvement after discontinuation of immunosuppressive drugs and combination therapy with mefloquine and mirtazapine

Abstract

Background Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare disease, but the prognosis is very poor, especially in the immunosuppressed state with a non-HIV background, and there is no established treatment. Case presentations A 49-year-old patient who had undergone a renal transplant and was receiving prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil treatment was admitted for peritoneal dialysis initiation. While hospitalized, he experienced aphasia and other percutaneous symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a subcortical demyelinating lesion. JC virus DNA was identified in cerebrospinal fluid, and he was diagnosed with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Immunosuppressant was ceased, and he was treated with mefloquine and mirtazapine. The patient subsequently underwent a head MRI scan, confirming lesion reduction, improved activities of daily life, and survival. Conclusions Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is commonly observed in patients with compromised immune systems, which was the case for this patient due to long-standing immunosuppressive medication usage and end-stage renal failure necessitating dialysis.