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Giant cell pneumonia caused by parainfluenza type 3 in a patient with acute myelomonocytic leukemia
Abstract:
A 4 1/2-year-old boy with acute myelomonocytic leukemia developed fever, neutropenia, and a prolonged respiratory illness while receiving maintenance chemotherapy. An open lung biopsy specimen demonstrated a giant cell pneumonia with intracytoplasmic and probable intranuclear viral inclusions of the paramyxovirus type. Serologic studies demonstrated convincing evidence of a parainfluenza type 3 infection. Although parainfluenza type 3-induced giant cell pneumonia has been reported in infants with the severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this complication in a patient with leukemia.
Insights
A child with leukemia developed a severe lung infection from parainfluenza virus type 3. This giant cell pneumonia complication is rare in leukemia patients, unlike in immunodeficient infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMML) treatment involves maintenance chemotherapy.
- Immunocompromised status in leukemia patients increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A 4.5-year-old boy with AMML presented with fever, neutropenia, and prolonged respiratory illness during chemotherapy.
- Lung biopsy revealed giant cell pneumonia with paramyxovirus-like inclusions.
Findings:
- Serologic tests confirmed parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) infection.
- This represents the first documented case of PIV3-induced giant cell pneumonia in a leukemia patient.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare but severe respiratory complication of PIV3 in immunocompromised leukemia patients.
- Suggests the need for vigilance regarding viral infections, including PIV3, in pediatric leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy.