Epstein-Barr virus myelitis and Castleman's disease in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome: a case report
2011

Case of Epstein-Barr Virus Myelitis and Castleman's Disease in an AIDS Patient

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Albany Costantine, Psevdos George, Balderacchi Jasminka, Sharp Victoria L

Primary Institution: St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY, USA

Conclusion

This case highlights the rare occurrence of multi-centric Castleman's disease followed by acute Epstein-Barr virus myelitis in a patient with HIV.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient had a CD4 count of 196 cells/mm3 and a viral load of <50 copies/mL.
  • Histological examination revealed marked plasma cell infiltration consistent with multi-centric Castleman's disease.
  • Polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Takeaway

A man with AIDS had two rare diseases, Castleman's disease and Epstein-Barr virus myelitis, happen one after the other, which is very unusual.

Methodology

The case was diagnosed through clinical presentation, imaging, and laboratory tests including PCR for EBV DNA in cerebrospinal fluid.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

A 43-year-old Caucasian man with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-5-209

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