[Asymptomatic forms of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)].
BACKGROUND
In November 2002 an epidemic of atypical pneumonia appeared in the Chinese region of Guandong. It was subsequently given the name "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome" (SARS) following the occurrence of further outbreaks in Hanoi and Hong Kong in February 2003. Five cases related to the same patient source have been reported in France.


METHODS
We report the case of a patient of 52 years who had direct contact with a probable case of SARS. On admission the patient presented with pyrexia associated with lymphopenia and liver cell necrosis but no respiratory symptoms. The chest x-ray was normal. The thoracic CT scan showed a sub pleural ground glass appearance. Early (36 hours) PCR studies of nasopharyngeal washings were negative for the coronavirus associated with SARS. The diagnosis was confirmed serologically.


CONCLUSIONS
This observation demonstrates the existence of incomplete clinical presentations of SARS. The infectivity of this asymptomatic form is unknown. Serological analyses will allow better identification. The continuing danger of seasonal recurrence, particularly in the winter, cannot be ignored. In this context the recognition of probably infectious asymptomatic forms is essential.
André
M
M
Service de pneumologie, HIA Clermont Tonnerre, Brest, France. vetmandre@aol.com
Talarmin
F
F
Le Guen
P
P
Nicolas
X
X
Garcia
J F
JF
Natali
F
F
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*