Cytomegalovirus-induced adrenal insufficiency in a renal transplant recipient

Transplant Proc. 2009 Sep;41(7):2915-6. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2009.07.024.

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important pathogen in organ-transplant recipients. There have been frequent reports of CMV-induced adrenal insufficiency in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Herein, we report CMV-induced renal insufficiency in a renal transplant recipient. A 24-year-old woman had gradual onset of weakness, anorexia, nausea, hypotension, and skin hyperpigmentation at 5 months after renal transplantation. The immunosuppression regimen included cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroid (prednisolone, 5 mg/d). Recent history included acute CMV infection, which was treated with ganciclovir. Basal serum cortisol concentration was 4 microg/dL, and stimulated serum cortisol concentration was less than 10 microg/dL. All clinical signs and symptoms and hypotension gradually improved after the oral prednisolone dose was increased to 10 mg/d. Clinicians must be aware of the possibility of CMV-induced adrenal insufficiency in renal transplant recipients. The condition may be symptomatic despite low-dose prednisolone therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Insufficiency / virology*
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Antilymphocyte Serum / therapeutic use*
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Cytomegalovirus / immunology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Hydrocortisone / therapeutic use
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications / virology
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antilymphocyte Serum
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Prednisolone
  • Creatinine
  • Hydrocortisone