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Identification of cytomegalovirus in bone marrow biopsy
Abstract:
The bone marrow trephine biopsy has become a common procedure for evaluating hematopoietic abnormalities. Occasionally, the first clue to an infectious process is obtained from this source. A bone marrow biopsy, done to evaluate pancytopenia in a patient who had received a renal transplant, revealed large intranuclear inclusions diagnostic of cytomegalovirus. Antibody titers were initially negative but rose over the next few weeks to confirm the diagnosis. Even though the bone marrow biopsy may not be the best site for finding CMV inclusions, the careful examination of a random bone marrow biopsy, particularly in an immunosuppressed individual, may contribute to the diagnosis.
Insights
Bone marrow biopsies can reveal infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) in transplant patients. Careful examination of these biopsies is crucial for diagnosing CMV, even if it
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplant Medicine
Background:
- Bone marrow trephine biopsy is a standard procedure for assessing blood disorders.
- Infections can sometimes be initially detected through bone marrow examination.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals, particularly organ transplant recipients.