PML
Medical abbreviation · Neurology
| Stands for | Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PML stands for Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a neurology abbreviation.
Opportunistic brain infection caused by reactivation of the JC virus in people with weakened immunity, destroying myelin-producing cells and causing progressive weakness, vision loss and cognitive decline. It occurs in advanced HIV and with certain immunosuppressive drugs.
Example: MS patient on natalizumab with new hemianopia; JC virus PCR positive in CSF: PML, drug stopped.
Usage notes
Risk with the MS drug natalizumab is stratified by JC virus antibody status, treatment duration and prior immunosuppression, and the drug briefly left the market in 2005 after PML cases. Treatment focuses on restoring immune function, such as antiretroviral therapy in HIV or plasma exchange to remove natalizumab. Immune reconstitution can temporarily worsen inflammation.
Related abbreviations
More neurology abbreviations
- OCB – Oligoclonal bands
- PCom – Posterior communicating artery
- PCS – Post-concussion syndrome
- PD – Parkinson's disease
- PICA – Posterior inferior cerebellar artery
- PLEX – Plasma exchange
- PN – Peripheral neuropathy
- PNES – Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
- PPA – Primary progressive aphasia
- PPMS – Primary progressive multiple sclerosis
- PRES – Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
- PSP – Progressive supranuclear palsy
See all 131 neurology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.