Consensus Guidelines for Diagnosis of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has become more challenging. Additional cases have been associated with monoclonal antibody therapy, sometimes in those with pre-existing neurological disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis). The American Academy of Neurology Neuroinfectious Disease Section has now created a consensus statement on PML diagnostic criteria.

PML diagnosis is based on a constellation of progressive neurological symptoms and signs, evidence of demyelination on magnetic resonance imaging, and corroboration with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing. Symptoms most often include behavioral and cognitive abnormalities; other common symptoms are weakness, gait abnormalities, visual field deficits, speech and languag…