Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia and immunodeficiency in association with thymoma–A presentation of Good's Syndrome

A. Fahim, M. Abuzakouk, S.P. Hart
2011 Revista Portuguesa de Pneumologia  
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 thymectomy who presented with pneumonia and gram negative sepsis. Haemophilus influenzae was found in blood cultures. Moreover, there was evidence of impaired B and
more » ... cell immunity consistent 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 context 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.
doi:10.1016/j.rppnen.2011.11.004 fatcat:xbmyvzw6hbad5o5dis3cbzn5be