Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Introduction. - Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a demyelinating disease resulting from an opportunistic infection of the central nervous system by JC papovavirus. It mostly occurs in patients with an underlying immunosuppressive disorder. In the era of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome it is observed with increasing frequency. Exegesis. - We report the case of a non-HIV-infected patient who presented chronic lymphocytic leukemia with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy uncovered by both imaging and the presence of JC virus in the cerebrospinal fluid. Conclusion. - Due to the lack of specific treatment, the disease is still rapidly progressive and fatal. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.