Severe thrombocytopenia caused by cytomegalovirus infection in an immunocompetent adult: A case report

Abstract

A 53-year-old otherwise healthy man was referred to our hospital with a fever of unknown origin, headache, and arthralgia. Four days earlier, he had a fever with chills. Treatment with antibiotics and acetaminophen proved ineffective, with the patient subsequently developing headache and joint pain. Blood analysis revealed elevated inflammatory markers, liver impairment, and severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count, 19,000/μL). Subsequent tests revealed elevated levels of anti-cytomegalovirus IgM and IgG. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with severe thrombocytopenia associated with cytomegalovirus infection. Platelet counts increased spontaneously without antiviral therapy. Forty-five days after the initial visit, the symptoms improved, and blood tests revealed resolution of the inflammatory findings, with the platelet count recovering to 155,000/μL. Although the disease may resolve spontaneously, cytomegalovirus infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis in case of severe thrombocytopenia in immunocompetent adults.