Cytomegalovirus pneumonitis in a patient with homozygous β-thalassemia and splenectomy

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases
Konstantinos FragkiadakisDiamantis P Kofteridis

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) rarely causes disease in immunocompetent individuals but may cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients. We report the case of a multi-transfused, splenectomized young woman due to homozygous β-thalassemia that presented with prolonged fever and respiratory distress. Although broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy had initially been applied, the patient was clinically deteriorated. Serology and molecular blood testing established CMV infection and viremia. Computed tomography of the chest demonstrated pneumonitis and she was successfully treated with 3 weeks ganciclovir. In splenectomised β-thalassemic patients necessitating multiple blood transfusions, CMV-infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

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