Summary

A 64-year-old woman with a 1-year history of microscopic polyangiitis developed isolated pancytopenia secondary to cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation. The patient was originally admitted to the medical service for the management of a rapidly progressing 10 cm ulcer on her left lower extremity. Prior to admission, the patient had been on several immunosuppressive agents for the treatment of microscopic polyangiitis, including prednisone, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab. Her hospital course was notable for pancytopenia and after a very thorough diagnostic work-up, the aetiology was found to be secondary to CMV reactivation. This was confirmed by blood analysis that revealed a highly elevated CMV level at 899 100 copies/mL by quantitative PCR. The patient was promptly treated with intravenous ganciclovir for a total course of 14 days before transitioning to an oral regimen. She had a pronounced response to the anti-CMV therapy with complete recovery of her white cell count, haemoglobin and platelet count to baseline.