Cytologic Manifestations of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pneumonia in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia in immunocompromised patients, especially bone marrow transplant recipients, is associated with high mortality. Early diagnosis in these cases is important because antiviral therapy with ribavirin is effective in reducing mortality. CASE: A 45-year-old male with multiple myeloma who underwent autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation subsequently developed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. A bronchoalveolar lavage specimen demonstrated the cytologic changes associated with RSV pneumonia. Infection with RSV was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence, enzyme immunoassay and, later, on histology and electron microscopy at autopsy. CONCLUSION: Recognition of the cytologic changes associated with RSV pneumonia in immunodeficient patients can be life saving since this would initiate confirmatory immunologic studies and therapy.