Neuroimaging Insights Into Early Stages of HIV-Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: A Case Report

This report aims to enhance the understanding of early longitudinal neuroimaging features of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Neuroimaging has become crucial in the diagnosis and early recognition of PML. Recognition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in the early stages of PML is paramount to avoid misdiagnosis and facilitate the delivery of treatments aimed at reducing disease progression. A 49-year-old white man with HIV presented with 4-month progressive left-sided weakness. Neurological examination revealed mild cognitive impairment, left-sided hemiparesis, and somatosense impairment to all modalities. Brain MRI revealed a punctate pattern with innumerable T2-FLAIR (fluid attenuated inversion recovery) hyperintensities in the cortex, brainstem, cerebellum, subcortical, and periventricular areas. Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) revealed hypointensities involving subcortical U-fibers and cortical architecture. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation was inconclusive. John Cunningham virus (JCV) PCR in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was indeterminate. He was started on antiretroviral therapy. Repeat brain MRI performed 1.5 months later, in the setting of further neurological decline, demonstrated progression of the T2-hyperintensities into a large confluent white matter lesion in the right frontoparietal lobe. Despite an indeterminate JCV PCR, the appearance and characteristic progression of the lesions in successive imaging in the setting of severe immunosuppression, with extensive negative infectious workup, was indicative of PML. This clinical experience illustrates unique neuroimaging features of HIV-PML in early stages and its progression over time. It especially highlights the relevance of the SWI sequence in the diagnosis and features observed with disease evolution. Short-term imaging follow-up may assist with the recognition of MRI features consistent with the biology of the infection.