Parvovirus B19 infection presenting with neutropenia and thrombocytopenia: Three case reports

Abstract

RATIONALE: Parvovirus B19 (PV) infection is usually symptomless and can cause benign, short-lived conditions. Anemia associated with PRCA is the most representative hematologic manifestation, but neutropenia and thrombocytopenia have been rarely reported. PATIENT CONCERNS: Three patients were admitted to the hospital with neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The accompanying symptoms were fever, myalgia, rash, or arthralgia, and all patients were previously healthy. DIAGNOSIS: Patients were positive for PV PCR and diagnosed with PV infection. Before the diagnosis of PV infection, 2 patients underwent BM study and almost absence of erythroid progenitor cells in BM aspiration were a clue for the PV infection. Other BM findings were hypocellular marrow and a few hemophagocytic histiocytes. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received supportive care with follow-up of CBC. OUTCOMES: All 3 patients spontaneously recovered from neutropenia and thrombocytopenia within 3 weeks without severe complications. LESSONS: The evaluation of PV infection should be considered in situations where there is neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in healthy individuals even without anemia as a differential diagnosis.