Idiopathic thrombocytopenia after cytomegalovirus infection in a renal transplant recipient

Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a frequent complication of organ tr ansplantation and presents a spectrum of disease ranging from asymptomatic viremia to life-threatening tissue-invasive disease. CMV is also lymphotrop hic, with the potential to induce autoimmune disease, although immunosuppre ssive therapy may prevent or attenuate the clinical course in transplant pa tients. We report a case of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura occurring i n a renal transplant recipient after primary CMV infection and discuss the possible mechanisms involved. (C) 1999 by the National Kidney Foundation, I nc.