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Common variable immunodeficiency in an adult with recurrent pneumonia
1Zonguldak Karaelmas University Medical Faculty Department of Pulmonology, 67600, Zonguldak/Turkey. leventkart@karaelmas.edu.tr
Summary
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a rare immunological disorder affecting adults, characterized by poor antibody production. This case highlights CVID as a key consideration for recurrent pneumonia in adults.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Primary immunodeficiency syndromes are infrequently diagnosed in adults.
- Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a congenital disorder marked by impaired antibody synthesis.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old male presented with lobar pneumonia and a history of recurrent pulmonary infections.
- Severe hypogammaglobulinemia was identified, indicating a potential underlying immunodeficiency.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with CVID based on significantly low immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE).
- Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin normalized IgG levels to > 6.0 g/L.
- The patient remained free of opportunistic infections post-treatment.
Implications:
- CVID should be included in the differential diagnosis for adults presenting with recurrent pneumonia.
- Early diagnosis and immunoglobulin replacement therapy can prevent opportunistic infections in CVID patients.