[Case report and literature review of AIDS-related progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy diagnosed in a psychiatric department].

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is caused by the reactivation of the John Cunningham virus, which occurs almost exclusively in immunocompromised patients. The symptoms of the disease are primarily determined by the localization of demyelinating lesions. In the early stages, the disease could be asymptomatic, and neurological symptoms appear later. Diagnostic methods primarily include imaging studies and the detection of viral DNA from cerebrospinal fluid. There is no specific therapy known; the goal is to restore immune system function. In our case study, we present the medical history of a patient observed in a psychiatric department, whose case was confirmed to be AIDS-related right hemispheric progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Early differential diagnostic difficulties included pathological personality traits observed in the patient as well as a crisis state arising from situational difficulties and relationship loss. With this case, we aim to highlight the importance of psychiatric symptoms in immunocompromised patients. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(33): 1295–1302.