A Case of Cytomegalovirus Infection Presenting as Pericarditis and Lupus Nephritis Flare-up.
10.4078/jrd.2011.18.3.224
- Author:
Dong Hyun KIM
1
;
Yong Sub NA
;
Hee Jeong LEE
;
Yun Sung KIM
;
Hyun Sook KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, The Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea. healthyra@chosun.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Cytomegalovirus;
Pericarditis;
Systemic lupus erythematosus
- MeSH:
Cytomegalovirus;
Cytomegalovirus Infections;
Ganciclovir;
Humans;
Immunoglobulins;
Lung Diseases, Interstitial;
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic;
Lupus Nephritis;
Pericarditis;
Steroids;
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
- From:Journal of Rheumatic Diseases
2011;18(3):224-228
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with an exacerbations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the role of CMV in disease pathogenesis remains unclear. CMV infection is often severe and difficult to diagnose in patients with SLE. Only a few cases of opportunistic CMV interstitial pneumonitis infection occurring in patients with SLE after intensive immunosuppressive therapy have been described. We report a case of CMV infection presenting with massive pericarditis and aggravating lupus nephritis in a patient who did not undergo any kind of immunosuppressive therapy except for low dose steroids to treat concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis. After diagnosis, the patient was successfully treated with immunoglobulin and ganciclovir. This case may support the theory that CMV infection is a potential trigger for SLE.