Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8)-Associated Multicentric Castleman Disease in an HIV Patient With Severe Immunosuppression: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Authors

Edmund Birkhamshaw, Ali Abbas, Pyae Paing, Anu Pillai, Akhil Jerry, Kawanpreet Kaur, Farhana Chowdhury

Published in

Cureus. Volume 18. Issue 6. Pages e111340. Epub Jun 23, 2026.

Abstract

Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8)-associated multicentric Castleman disease (HHV-8-MCD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder that predominantly affects individuals with advanced immunosuppression, especially people living with HIV. The clinical picture frequently overlaps with opportunistic infections, lymphoma, and haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, creating significant diagnostic challenges.  We present a case of a 51-year-old man recently diagnosed with HIV, who developed recurrent pyrexia, profound hyperferritinaemia, cytopenias, rapidly progressive lymphadenopathy, and escalating HHV-8 viraemia. Lymph node biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of HHV-8-positive MCD. Prompt initiation of rituximab and etoposide resulted in complete clinical and radiological remission.  The case highlights the importance of rapid recognition, timely histological confirmation, early initiation of rituximab-based therapy, and multidisciplinary management in HHV-8-MCD.

PMID:
42495486
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 24 Jul 2026.

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