Fatal adenoviral hepatitis after rituximab therapy.
Rituximab is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of B-cell proliferative disorders. Although it is very effective in many cases, a number of case reports in the literature have described fatal viral reactivations associated with rituximab therapy. We report what is to our knowledge the first case of fatal adenoviral hepatitis in a patient with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia treated with rituximab. This case is a new example of an emerging pattern of association between rituximab therapy and fatal viral reactivations, and it urges increased vigilance when using rituximab-based treatment regimens.
Iyer
Anita
A
Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn 06520-8023, USA.
Mathur
Radhika
R
Deepak
Banglore V
BV
Sinard
John
J
D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology; D000258:Adenovirus Infections, Human / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007158:Immunologic Techniques; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D000069283:Rituximab; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014775:Virus Activation; D008258:Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / Q000188:drug therapy
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab