The grim reaper evading modern medicine: aspergillosis, adenovirus, and Hodgkin lymphoma

ABSTRACT

Illustrative cases of diseases that are difficult to suspect and diagnose can serve as useful reminders. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and adenovirus hepatitis are two such diseases, both revealed by autopsy in this case of Hodgkin lymphoma refractory to chemotherapy treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation complicated by these two fatal infections. This patient was cured of Hodgkin lymphoma, Clostridioides difficile colitis and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura using the marvels of modern medicine. This case illustrates many features of aspergillosis and adenovirus hepatitis, shows the value of autopsy in revealing diagnoses, and illustrates the limits of modern medicine, which should serve as a mental spur in our efforts to advance medical science, to try to defeat the numerous demons of disease, who seem to keep outwitting us.