Disseminated intravascular coagulation due to cytomegalovirus infection in an immunocompetent adult treated with plasma exchange

Abstract

We report the case of an immunocompetent woman who developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) due to acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and was successfully treated with plasma exchange. Extensive investigations revealed no other cause for her DIC, and she did not have any recurrence after more than 1 year of follow up. Clinically evident DIC due to CMV infection is most common in immunosuppressed patients. The one previously reported immunocompetent patient with DIC due to acute CMV infection died from the illness despite traditional supportive measures. Plasma exchange is a novel therapy that should be considered in this situation. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.