Cytomegalovirus-Induced Pericarditis, Pulmonary Embolism, and Transaminitis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a widespread virus, typically causing severe disease in immunocompromised populations.
• In immunocompetent individuals, CMV infections are often asymptomatic or present as a mild, mononucleosis-like illness.
• The potential for significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompetent patients due to CMV remains underrecognized.

Observation:

• A 55-year-old immunocompetent female presented with pericarditis and a subsequent right pulmonary embolism.
• The patient had no significant prior medical history.
• Diagnostic workup was initiated to determine the underlying cause of her severe symptoms.

Findings:

• Infectious disease investigations identified Cytomegalovirus (CMV) as the causative agent.
• CMV infection was directly linked to the patient's pericarditis and pulmonary embolism.
• This demonstrates a severe clinical manifestation of CMV in an immunocompetent host.

Implications:

• This case underscores the need to consider CMV in the differential diagnosis of severe, unexplained conditions in immunocompetent patients.
• Further research may be warranted to better understand the spectrum of CMV disease in non-immunocompromised individuals.
• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for CMV, even in the absence of known immune deficiencies, when faced with severe presentations.