Severe thrombocytopenia associated with monkeypox infection

Abstract

Introduction: Secondary immune thrombocytopenia has been described in relation to autoimmune mechanisms during infection by different viruses.

Clinical Case: A 58-year-old male patient, diagnosed with HIV infection since 2012, under antiretroviral treatment with virological suppression consults the emergency service of a private clinic in the City of Buenos Aires due to painful cervical and axillary lymphadenopathies. Severe thrombocytopenia was confirmed by laboratory at admission, so hospitalization was decided. Perioral ulcerated maculopapular lesions are founded at examination. Monkeypox infection was confirmed by PCR in such lesions. Treatment with steroids was started, interpreting the condition as thrombocytopenia of autoimmune origin, with good clinical evolution.