Lindsey C Shipley1, S Trevor Taylor2, Christina Grimsley3, Kevin Stoffer4, Jack Goldstein5. 1. Internal Medicine Resident at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. crosnoe@goldmail.etsu.edu. 2. Medical Student at the East Tennessee State University James H Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City. taylorst1@etsu.edu. 3. Medical Student at the East Tennessee State University James H Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City. grimsley@etsu.edu. 4. Medical Student at the East Tennessee State University James H Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City. stoffer@goldmail.etsu.edu. 5. Professor of Internal Medicine at the East Tennessee State University James H Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City. goldsteinj@mail.etsu.edu.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Hantavirus is an RNA virus that is transmitted to humans by inhalation of aerosolized excrement from infected rodents. This case report demonstrates the value of taking a thorough social history and highlights the challenges associated with early diagnosis of this viral infection. CASE PRESENTATION: We highlight a case of suspected hantavirus infection with subtle gastrointestinal and pulmonary symptoms that challenged the initial diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Efforts are needed to improve clinical recognition and rapid detection of hantavirus infections, to reduce associated mortality. In a patient presenting with gastrointestinal prodromal symptoms followed by cardiopulmonary findings, physicians should pay special attention to that patient's living conditions and maintain a high index of suspicion for hantavirus infection. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent rapid deterioration to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in some patients.
INTRODUCTION: Hantavirus is an RNA virus that is transmitted to humans by inhalation of aerosolized excrement from infected rodents. This case report demonstrates the value of taking a thorough social history and highlights the challenges associated with early diagnosis of this viral infection. CASE PRESENTATION: We highlight a case of suspected hantavirus infection with subtle gastrointestinal and pulmonary symptoms that challenged the initial diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Efforts are needed to improve clinical recognition and rapid detection of hantavirus infections, to reduce associated mortality. In a patient presenting with gastrointestinal prodromal symptoms followed by cardiopulmonary findings, physicians should pay special attention to that patient's living conditions and maintain a high index of suspicion for hantavirus infection. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent rapid deterioration to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in some patients.
Authors: R M Wells; J Young; R J Williams; L R Armstrong; K Busico; A S Khan; T G Ksiazek; P E Rollin; S R Zaki; S T Nichol; C J Peters Journal: Emerg Infect Dis Date: 1997 Jul-Sep Impact factor: 6.883
Authors: J S Duchin; F T Koster; C J Peters; G L Simpson; B Tempest; S R Zaki; T G Ksiazek; P E Rollin; S Nichol; E T Umland Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 1994-04-07 Impact factor: 91.245