Thrombocytopenia due to cytomegalovirus infection in an immunocompetent adult

Hematology. 2005 Oct;10(5):405-6. doi: 10.1080/10245330500141556.

Abstract

A healthy 33-year-old man presented with a short history of viral infection and recent petechiae. Examination of the blood showed a profound thrombocytopenia. He was diagnosed as having cytomegalovirus infection by serological examination. A high level of platelet-associated immunoglobulins was demonstrated suggesting an immune basis for the thrombocytopenia and we, therefore, treated the patient with bolus methylprednisolone and gamma-globulin, resulting in prompt recovery. Recognition for CMV-induced thrombocytopenia is important for early diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / blood
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence / drug effects
  • Immunoglobulin G / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage*
  • Platelet Count / methods
  • Thrombocytopenia / blood
  • Thrombocytopenia / drug therapy*
  • Thrombocytopenia / etiology
  • Thrombocytopenia / virology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Methylprednisolone