Novel coronavirus disease 2019 and combined autoimmune neutropenia and thrombocytopenia: a case report

ABSTRACT

Background: Combined autoimmune neutropenia (AIN) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare disease that can present as extremely low neutrophil count and platelet count, respectively [1]. Case Presentation We describe the first case, to the authors' knowledge, of the novel SARS CoV-2 infection and combined AIN and ITP in a healthy 27-year-old male. Conclusion: Viruses have been known to trigger autoimmune diseases in people with genetic predisposition. We speculate that the patient's selective IgM deficiency predisposed him to have autoimmune cytopenia, and SARS-COV-2 triggered him to acquire combined AIN and ITP. Our hypothesis is supported by a lack of evidence of malignancy, a normal morphology on the smear, and an immediate response to IVIG infusion with significant improvement in platelet and neutrophilic count.