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Published on: October 12, 2014
Guillain-Barré Syndrome After Primary Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Patient With a Heart Transplant
Peter Ting1, Anton Camaj1, Solomon Bienstock1
1The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
Insights
A heart transplant recipient developed cytomegalovirus infection and subsequently Guillain-Barré Syndrome. This case highlights a rare neurological complication following viral reactivation in an immunocompromised patient.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Cardiac transplantation is a life-saving procedure for end-stage heart failure.
- Post-transplant management requires lifelong immunosuppression to prevent allograft rejection.
- Immunosuppression increases the risk of opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old male recipient experienced an uncomplicated post-operative course after cardiac transplantation.
- The patient presented with fever and diarrhea, diagnosed as cytomegalovirus infection in December 2019.
- Within weeks of cytomegalovirus infection, the patient developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Findings:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can occur in heart transplant recipients.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological complication that can be triggered by viral infections.
- This case demonstrates a potential link between CMV infection and GBS in an immunocompromised cardiac transplant patient.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring for opportunistic infections post-transplantation.
- It highlights the need for vigilance regarding potential neurological sequelae of viral infections in transplant recipients.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms linking CMV infection and Guillain-Barré Syndrome in this population.
Abstract:
A 56-year-old man underwent cardiac transplantation in April 2018. His post-operative course was uncomplicated and he had normal allograft function. On December 2019 he was admitted for fever and diarrhea and was found to have cytomegalovirus infection. A few weeks later, he presented with Guillain-Barré Syndrome. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).
