DOI: 10.12890/2021_002350

Severe Complication of Thiopurine Treatment in a Young Woman with Crohn’s Disease

Authors

  • Michiel PJ Voet Department of Internal Medicine, Catharina Ziekenhuis, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
  • TGA Calon Department of Internal Medicine, Catharina Ziekenhuis, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
  • MMC Hendriks Department of Internal Medicine, Catharina Ziekenhuis, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
  • RM Schreuder Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Catharina Ziekenhuis, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

michiel.voet@catharinaziekenhuis.nl

Keywords

Cytomegalovirus, thiopurine, pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis

Abstract

Case Description: TA 28-year old woman receiving thiopurine treatment for Crohn’s disease presented with a systemic primo cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection affecting the gut (colitis), liver (hepatitis), lungs (pneumonitis) and eyes (retinitis). Secondary to this systemic infection, she developed splenomegaly, pancytopenia and lymphadenopathy. Anti-viral treatment resulted in complete resolution of clinical, biochemical and radiological abnormalities within 6 weeks. 
Conclusion: Early recognition is crucial since CMV infection in a patient receiving thiopurine treatment may result in serious complications.

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Published

2021-03-29

How to Cite

1.
Voet MP, Calon T, Hendriks M, Schreuder R. Severe Complication of Thiopurine Treatment in a Young Woman with Crohn’s Disease. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2021 Mar. 29 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];8(3). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/2350