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Vol. 17. Issue 6.
Pages 272-274 (November - December 2011)
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Vol. 17. Issue 6.
Pages 272-274 (November - December 2011)
Case report
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Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia and immunodeficiency in association with thymoma–A presentation of Good's Syndrome
Pneumonia por Haemophilus Influenzae e imunodeficiência associadas a timoma–uma apresentação da Síndrome de Good
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A. Fahima,
Corresponding author
ahmedfahim@doctors.org.uk

Corresponding author.
, M. Abuzakoukb, S.P. Harta
a Division of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Studies, Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Road, Cottingham, United Kingdom
b Department of Immunology, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Introduction

Good's Syndrome is a rare cause of immunodeficiency associated with thymoma. Patients with this syndrome are prone to infections with encapsulated microorganisms. The diagnosis may be delayed for a considerable time period even after the thymectomy. Case presentation: We describe the case of a 70-year-old woman with a background of thymec-tomy who presented with pneumonia and gram negative sepsis. Haemophilus influenzae was found in blood cultures. Moreover, there was evidence of impaired B and T cell immunity con-sistent with Good's Syndrome. She was commenced on immunoglobulin replacement following treatment of sepsis and remains well 18 months after the initial presentation.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the importance of considering Good's Syndrome in the con-text of pneumonia and immunodeficiency associated with encapsulated organisms such as Haemophilus influenzae. This clinical entity is associated with a significant mortality and should be considered as a cause of immunodeficiency even years after thymectomy.

Keywords:
Respiratory infections
Immunodeficiency
Thymoma
Resumo

Introdução: A Síndrome de Good é uma causa rara da imunodeficiência associada ao timoma. Os pacientes com esta síndrome são propensos a infecções por microrganismos encapsulados. O diagnóstico pode ser atrasado por bastante tempo, mesmo após a timectomia. Apresentação do Caso: Descrevemos o caso de uma mulher de 70 anos com antecedentes de timectomia, que apresentava pneumonia e sepsis por agente gram negativo. O Haemophilus influenzae foi isolado em hemoculturas. Além disso, evidência de alterações da imunidade celular B e T, consistente com a Síndrome de Good. A doente iniciou terapêutica de substituição com imunoglobulina seguida de tratamento da sepsis e continua bem 18 meses após a apresentação inicial. Conclusão: Este caso ilustra a importância de considerar a Síndrome de Good no contexto da pneumonia e imunodeficiência associadas a organismos encapsulados, como Haemophilus influenzae. Esta entidade clínica está associada a uma mortalidade significativa e deve ser considerada como uma causa de imunodeficiência mesmo anos depois da timectomia.

Palavras chave:
Infecções respiratórias
Imunodeficiência
Timoma
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