Vol.20 No.2

Case Report

Influenza virus B-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and recurrent pericarditis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Authors

Yoshiro Horai1 , Tomoya Miyamura1 , Soichiro Takahama1 , Koshiro Sonomoto1 , Masataka Nakamura1 , Hitoshi Ando1 , Rumi Minami1 , Masahiro Yamamoto1 , Eiichi Suematsu1

  • Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Clinical Research Institute, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Medical Center, 1-8-1 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-8563, Japan
Received:

18 June 2009

Accepted:

28 September 2009

Published online:

7 November 2009

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Abstract

We report a 24-year-old male with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed influenza virus B-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and cardiac tamponade. Although the patient’s general condition improved after steroid pulse therapy and pericardiocentesis, pericardial effusion re-accumulated. Colchicine and aspirin were administered, together with prednisolone, after which no further relapses occurred. This was a rare case of severe influenza-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and steroid-resistant pericardial effusion in an SLE patient.

Key words

Systemic lupus erythematosus - Influenza virus B - Hemophagocytic syndrome - Recurrent pericarditis