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Measles Lymphadenopathy in a Child With PFAPA Syndrome
Jefferson Terry1, Kelly Brown2, Joanne Hiebert3
11 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Summary
Measles virus was detected in the tonsils of a child with Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome. This finding may offer insights into the immune dysregulation associated with PFAPA.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is a common pediatric autoinflammatory disorder.
- Its exact cause is unknown, but immune dysregulation and environmental factors are suspected.
- Tonsillectomy is an effective treatment for some patients, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Observation:
- Histological examination of tonsils from a PFAPA patient revealed measles-type viral cytopathic effects.
- Molecular analysis detected measles virus RNA in tonsillar tissue.
- Further testing suggested the presence of measles vaccine strain RNA, though confirmation was limited.
Findings:
- Measles virus RNA was identified in the tonsil of a child diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome.
- The presence of viral RNA in tonsillar tissue warrants further investigation.
- This case presents a potential link between measles virus and PFAPA.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a possible role for measles virus in PFAPA pathogenesis or immune response.
- Further research is needed to explore the association between measles virus and PFAPA.
- Understanding this connection could lead to new diagnostic or therapeutic strategies for PFAPA.
