Cytomegalovirus Infection-related Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired cause of thrombocytopenia characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against platelets. It may be primary or secondary to several conditions. We present the case of a 63-year-old woman with a diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia refractory to conventional therapy. After she was tested for secondary causes of ITP, a diagnosis of acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was made. She was treated with ganciclovir and presented normalization of platelet count. CMV-related Immune Thrombocytopenia should always be considered in certain cases of refractory ITP. If the diagnosis of ITP secondary to acute CMV infection is made, specific antiviral therapy with ganciclovir should be considered. In these cases, immunosuppressive agents, such as steroids, may worsen the ITP and should be tapered or withdrawn as rapidly as feasible.