Influenza A pneumonia presenting as progressive focal infiltrates in a stem cell transplant recipient.
BACKGROUND
Stem cell transplant recipients are susceptible to pulmonary infections, including influenza A. Typically, isolated influenza pneumonia has a diffuse, interstitial infiltrate pattern.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the unusual clinical and radiographic course of influenza A pneumonia in a stem cell transplant recipient.


METHODS
Case report in which microbiologic assays, bronchoscopic and pathologic specimens are obtained.


RESULTS
We describe a patient with influenza A pneumonia 8 months following a peripheral blood stem cell transplant who presented with minimal respiratory symptoms and rapidly progressing, focal pulmonary infiltrates. The large size and appearance of the masses have not been reported before in a patient with isolated influenza.


CONCLUSIONS
This case highlights the differences of presentation and importance of early diagnosis and treatment of immunocompromised patients infected with influenza.
Scott
John D
JD
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359938, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA. jdscott@u.washington.edu
Englund
Janet A
JA
Myerson
David
D
Geballe
Adam P
AP
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D015466:Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic-Phase / Q000628:therapy; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D036102:Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed