A Case of John Cunningham Virus Induced Rhombencephalitis after Rituximab Therapy for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

BACKGROUND: John Cunningham virus (JCV) is known to cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in immuno-compromised patients due to lytic infection of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Rarely, it may also present as granule cell neuronopathy (GCN), leading to degeneration of cerebellar granule cell neurons. It is described in patients with underlying conditions or medication contributing to immune compromise. Case Presentation. A 73-year-old man presented with ataxia and difficulty in speech which began 3 months after initiation of treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with rituximab. Neurological examination was significant for torsional nystagmus, motor aphasia, right-sided dysmetria, and dysdiadochokinesia with gait ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed right cerebellar lesion and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for JC virus. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of JC virus-related cerebellar disease can be missed, due to the subacute to chronic onset and challenges in detection. Clinicians should have a high degree of suspicion for development of these symptoms, even a few months after initiation of immune-modulatory therapy because the progression and outcomes can be disastrous.

An uncommon presentation of a rare disease: A case of anti-glomerular basement membrane disease without renal involvement.

Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease (anti-GBM) is a well-documented, small vessel vasculitis that is classically associated with glomerulonephritis and alveolitis [1]. However, regardless of clinical process, not every patient will present with a constellation of classically associated symptoms. Literature review demonstrates that early anti-GBM disease can present as glomerulonephritis without alveolitis [2,3]. In this case report, we describe the unique clinical course of a 26-year-old male who originally presented with hemoptysis and his subsequent clinical workup revealing anti-glomerular basement membrane disease without renal involvement.

An unusual neurological manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A case report and literature review.

Ischemic stroke is an incredibly rare manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. It is important for the clinician to be aware of this unusual complication so that efforts can be made to reduce the risk of this event.