Diagnosis of disseminated cytomegalovirus infection and pneumonitis in a heart transplant recipient by skin biopsy: case report.
A pulmonary infection caused by both Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus (CMV) developed in a heart transplant recipient. A presumptive diagnosis of CMV pneumonitis was made on the basis of a skin biopsy finding demonstrating CMV inclusions. This diagnosis was later supported by a positive pleural fluid culture for CMV, a greater than fourfold increase in CMV IgG antibody, and a response to therapy with ganciclovir sodium. Biopsy of skin lesions in patients at risk for CMV infections may represent an important early diagnostic tool.
Rees
A P
AP
Department of Internal Medicine, Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, LA 70121.
Meadors
M
M
Ventura
H O
HO
Pankey
G A
GA
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007181:Inclusion Bodies, Viral / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000175:diagnosis