Parvovirus B19-induced severe anemia in heart transplant recipient: A case report

RATIONALE: Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a non-enveloped single-stranded DNA virus associated with a variety of human diseases. Reports of B19V infection after cardiac transplantation are relatively rare. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a case of a 48-year-old women who underwent orthotopic heart transplant for dilated cardiomyopathy. She developed an anemia after cardiac transplantation. Anemia was most severe 2 months after surgery, with a decrease in reticulocyte count. Serological DNA test for parvovirus B19V was performed and the result was positive. DIAGNOSES: B19V infection. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: Intravenous immunoglobulin administration resulted in a resolution of the anemia. The patient's blood test results showed a normal hemoglobin and reticulocyte count 1 year after surgery. LESSONS: Patients with parvovirus B19V infection may develop severe anemia after heart transplantation. The diagnosis mainly relies on viral DNA detection. Intravenous immunoglobulin is an effective treatment for viral infection.