title: Unusual lymphocytosis with systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: A 15-year-old boy with systemic lupus erythematosus, who on a follow up visit complained of recurrent episodes of fever, easy fatiguability, and seizures. Investigations revealed lymphocytosis (95%), anemia, and a positive PCR for cytomegalovirus (CMV). Electron microscopy of the lymphocytes revealed intranuclear inclusion bodies supporting the diagnosis of CMV infection. The child was treated with ganciclovir and discharged. At discharge the child was afebrile. However, lymphocytosis persisted even after 9 months of discharge. Repeated screening for possible lymphoreticular malignancy was negative. It is likely that lymphocytosis in this child was due to persistence of CMV infection in host cells leading to continued provocation of the host immune system.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India.
authors: Jhuma
authors: J
authors: Sankar
authors: Rakesh
authors: R
authors: Lodha
authors: M Jeeva
authors: MJ
authors: Sankar
authors: Devendra Kumar
authors: DK
authors: Mitra
authors: Rajive
authors: R
authors: Kumar
authors: Sushil Kumar
authors: SK
authors: Kabra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000740:Anemia / Q000150:complications; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D015774:Ganciclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000097:blood; D008218:Lymphocytosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D015774:Ganciclovir