IDIOPATHIC MULTICENTRIC CASTLEMAN DISEASE (IMCD) AS A MANIFESTATION OF POST-COVID-19 INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME

ABSTRACT

SESSION TITLE Pulmonary Manifestations of Infections SESSION TYPE Case Reports PRESENTED ON 10/17/2022 0315 pm - 0415 pm INTRODUCTION: Post-acute COVID-19 inflammatory syndrome is defined as persistent symptoms and/or delayed or long-term complications beyond 4 weeks from the onset of symptoms of original infection (1). These can manifest in various ways, but pulmonary, cardiac, and renal complications are the most common (1), with IL-6 thought to be an important mediator (2). We report what we believe to be the first case of Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman's Disease (iMCD) as a manifestation of post-acute COVID-19 inflammatory syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION A 36-year old male with history of hypertension and childhood asthma (not on current therapy), and recently resolved COVID-19 from 4 weeks prior, is admitted to the hospital with progressive shortness of breath, cough, fevers and significant fatigue. Prior COVID-19 symptoms included fevers, cough, and shortness of breath, which improved after 2 weeks without treatment. Symptoms returned 2 weeks later and worsened. On admission, he was tachycardic to 108 with temp of 37.8C, and otherwise stable vitals. Pertinent labs included WBC 17 (neutrophil predominant), Hgb 11.6, Cr 2.52, Na 126 and albumin 2.7 (normal baselines). SARS-CoV2 PCR was negative. CT chest with PE protocol showed no PE but moderate bilateral pleural effusions and extensive mediastinal lymphadenopathy. 1.2L clear fluid (transudative with lymphocyte predominance) was removed via thoracentesis. Microbiology, flow cytometry and cytology were unremarkable. Renal and mediastinal lymph node biopsies were taken. Lymph node sampling was non-diagnostic x2, but renal biopsy showed acute microangiopathy without thrombi, concerning for acute glomerulonephritis. Serologic vasculitis and CTD workup were entirely negative. He was treated with a course of prednisone and improved, however as outpatient, had recurrence of all these issues. Repeat thoracentesis x3 was unrevealing. He was again admitted and had an excisional inguinal node biopsy, showing findings consistent with hyaline vascular Castleman Disease. Further heme/onc evaluation and discussion showed diagnosis meeting criteria for iMCD. DISCUSSION: Multicentric Castleman's Disease is most often associated with HHV-8 infection in the setting of HIV. If HHV-8 is negative, the disease is termed idiopathic (iMCD). In these cases, disease is mediated predominantly by IL-6, but the direct cause is unknown, though existing theories include non-specific viral infections, malignancy and autoimmune diseases (3). Our patient had no evidence of malignancy or autoimmune phenomena. Thus COVID-19 illness was the most plausible explanation, especially given known IL-6 activity in COVID-19 inflammatory syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Post-acute COVID-19 inflammatory syndromes are extensive and can affect any organ system. iMCD is another possible manifestation, and must be diagnosed with excisional lymph node biopsy. High index of suspicion should be maintained to make this diagnosis. Reference #1 Nalbandian, Ani et al. "Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome." Nature medicine vol. 27,4 (2021) 601-615. Reference #2 Phetsouphanh, Chansavath et al. "Immunological dysfunction persists for 8 months following initial mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection.” Nature immunology vol. 23,2 (2022) 210-216. Reference #3 Dispenzieri, Angela, and David C Fajgenbaum. "Overview of Castleman disease." Blood vol. 135,16 (2020) 1353-1364. DISCLOSURES No relevant relationships by Kyle Halligan No relevant relationships by Chris Yan