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Fatal measles pneumonitis during Hodgkin's lymphoma
Benjamin Wyplosz1, Marion Lafarge, Lélia Escaut
1Assistance publique-hôpitaux de Paris, CHU Bicêtre, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
Abstract:
The treatment of measles pneumonitis in immunocompromised adults is not established. We describe a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma who developed acute pneumonia during a measles infection. On day 13, intravenous ribavirin and immunoglobulins were administrated. On day 18, the patient developed acute respiratory failure. An examination of transbronchial pulmonary biopsies showed Warthin-Finkeldey giant cells that are pathognomonic of measles pneumonitis. The patient died despite aggressive supportive care. Our case and a review of literature show that measles pneumonitis is routinely fatal in patients with cancer. We suggest that antiviral drugs should be considered as soon as the diagnosis has been established.
Insights
Measles pneumonitis is often fatal in immunocompromised cancer patients. Early consideration of antiviral drugs is suggested for treating this severe measles complication.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Measles pneumonitis treatment in immunocompromised adults lacks established protocols.
- Adults with hematologic malignancies are particularly vulnerable to severe measles complications.
Observation:
- A patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma developed severe measles pneumonitis.
- Transbronchial biopsies revealed Warthin-Finkeldey giant cells, confirming measles pneumonitis.
- The patient experienced acute respiratory failure despite treatment with ribavirin and immunoglobulins.
Findings:
- Measles pneumonitis is frequently fatal in immunocompromised cancer patients.
- Aggressive supportive care was insufficient to prevent mortality in this case.
Implications:
- Antiviral therapy should be considered early in the management of measles pneumonitis in immunocompromised individuals.
- Further research is needed to establish effective treatment guidelines for measles pneumonitis in vulnerable populations.
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